The network will be the basic cable home for the first two movies of the 'Hunger Games' franchise, with the first installment slated to air starting in 2014.
- Mar 27, 2012
AceShowbiz - ABC Family has acquired the basic cable rights to blockbuster "The Hunger Games". The deal between the network and Lionsgate includes the TV rights to a planned sequel for the Jennifer Lawrence-starring movie, "Catching Fire".
"This tremendous opening weekend reinforces what we have already learned - a powerful heroine, themes of romance and iconic characters will keenly resonate with our Millennial audience," said ABC Family president Michael Riley. The first movie will begin airing on the cable channel in 2014.
Previously, ABC Family nabbed the basic cable rights to another successful franchise, "Harry Potter". Meanwhile, the popular "Twilight" film series were nabbed by FX, which has acquired the rights to a number of box office champions in 2012, including "21 Jump Street" and "The Lorax".
"The Hunger Games", which is based on the first book in Suzanne Collins's trilogy of the same title, debuted in the U.S. theaters on March 23. It has broken some box office records, including the third biggest opening weekend of all time with a massive $152 million gross.
