A new “Hunger Games” prequel film is set to hit theaters in 2026. Following the success of last November’s “Hunger Games” prequel, “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” that grossed $337 million at the box office.
Lionsgate has hinted that audiences may not have seen the last of Panem, the dystopian world of the series, despite the spinoff covering the entirety of Suzanne Collins’ 2020 novel of the same name.
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Expanding the Panem Universe: “Sunrise on the Reaping” and the Future of “The Hunger Games”
“The film opened an endless series of possibilities that Suzanne can go, and that [Lionsgate] can go with her,” said Adam Fogelson, chairman of the studio’s motion picture group, at the time.
In line with this, Collins is writing a new book titled “Sunrise on the Reaping,” set for release in 2025. The film adaptation is scheduled to hit theaters on November 20, 2026. Francis Lawrence, who has directed every “Hunger Games” installment since 2012’s “Catching Fire,” is in talks to direct.
To that end, Collins is writing a new book titled “Sunrise on the Reaping,” slated for release in 2025. The film adaptation is scheduled to hit theaters on November 20, 2026. Francis Lawrence, who has directed every “Hunger Games” installment since 2012’s “Catching Fire,” is in talks to direct.
Similar to the upcoming novel, “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping” will revisit the world of Panem 24 years before the events of the original “Hunger Games” saga, which features Katniss Everdeen, and four decades after “The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.” The story begins on the morning of the reaping for the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell, in which Haymitch Abernathy, later portrayed by Woody Harrelson in the original series, competed. Haymitch Abernathy goes on to mentor Katniss and Peeta in the 74th Hunger Games.
“Suzanne Collins is a master storyteller and our creative north star,” Fogelson said in a statement. “We couldn’t be more fortunate than to be guided and trusted by a collaborator whose talent and imagination are so consistently brilliant. The Second Quarter Quell is legendary and looms large over the history of the Games, even into the time of Katniss Everdeen a quarter-century later.”
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Meredith Wieck and Scott O’Brien will manage the production on behalf of the studio, while Patricia Laucella and Phil Strina handled securing the book rights for Lionsgate.
The “Hunger Games” film series has earned over $3.3 billion globally, with 2013’s “Catching Fire” being the highest-grossing at $865 million. Although “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” did not match the original series in ticket sales, its $100 million budget allowed it to be profitable, prompting the studio to proceed with another installment.
“The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” is set 64 years prior to Katniss Everdeen, played by Jennifer Lawrence, volunteering as tribute. Tom Blyth portrayed a young Coriolanus Snow, who eventually becomes the oppressive ruler of Panem, while Rachel Zegler depicted Lucy Gray Baird, a tribute from impoverished District 12 whom Snow mentors and develops feelings for during the 10th annual battle royale. The conclusion of “Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” leaves Lucy Gray Baird’s destiny uncertain as Snow commences his ruthless ascent to authority.
In an interview with Variety, Sam Claflin expressed his full openness to rejoining “The Hunger Games” franchise. Speaking with Marc Malkin on Variety On the Carpet, presented by DIRECTV, Claflin shared his thoughts on the prequel film “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” and the possibility of his character Finnick appearing in upcoming “Hunger Games” endeavors. Despite his willingness to revisit the dystopian realm of Panem, Claflin harbors concerns that his age could pose a challenge. “I don’t know if there’s room for me to go back. I’m too old now.”
The actor did add, however, “I’ve heard rumors that people are asking for a Finnick prequel, and all I’m gonna say is that I would be all in for Finnick’s dad.”
