The Hunger Games fandom recently received some exciting news with the announcement of a new novel by Suzanne Collins, set to be released on March 18, 2025. With this revelation, fans can also look forward to a new movie, as Lionsgate has greenlit the big screen adaptation of the upcoming prequel. The film, titled The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, is scheduled to hit theaters on Nov. 20, 2026. This new movie will be directed by Francis Lawrence, the filmmaker behind the last four movies in the franchise. Additionally, producer Nina Jacobson, along with Brad Simpson, will be returning to produce the film under their Color Force banner.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is set 24 years before the original trilogy, in the world of Panem. The story begins on the morning of the reaping of the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell. This particular Hunger Games is significant as the victor was Haymitch Abernathy, the sole winner from District 12 prior to Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark’s memorable victory. Haymitch later becomes a mentor, a role portrayed by Woody Harrelson in the original films. Suzanne Collins drew inspiration from David Hume’s concept of implicit submission and the power dynamics between the masses and the ruling few. The narrative also delves into themes of propaganda and the control of information, posing the question “Real or not real?” as a central theme.
Upon the announcement of the new prequel, Suzanne Collins expressed her enthusiasm for collaborating once again with Lionsgate and the team behind The Hunger Games franchise. Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chair Adam Fogelson praised Collins as a master storyteller, highlighting her talent and imagination. The focus of the upcoming story on the Second Quarter Quell is expected to captivate Hunger Games fans worldwide, building anticipation for the return to the intriguing world of Panem. Lionsgate executives Meredith Wieck and Scott O’Brien will oversee the production, ensuring that the film stays true to the essence of Collins’ vision.
The novel, Sunrise on the Reaping, will be published by Scholastic in multiple formats across various regions, including the US, Canada, the UK and Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. This simultaneous release aims to reach a wide audience of Hunger Games enthusiasts eager to explore the new chapter in the saga. The success of the Hunger Games franchise is undeniable, with over 100 million copies of the books sold worldwide in print and digital formats. The global appeal of the series is further exemplified by the sale of foreign publishing rights in 54 languages. Additionally, the four movie adaptations have collectively grossed over $3.3 billion at the global box office, solidifying the cultural impact of The Hunger Games.
The announcement of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping signals an exciting new chapter for fans of the beloved franchise. With Suzanne Collins at the helm of this latest installment, audiences can expect a compelling narrative that delves deeper into the world of Panem and explores themes of power, propaganda, and resistance. As the countdown to the film’s release begins, anticipation builds for the return to the gripping and thought-provoking universe of The Hunger Games.