Suzanne Collins' 'Sunrise on the Reaping' is being developed for the big screen to delve deeper into the complicated world of Panem following the success of 'The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes'.
- Jun 7, 2024
AceShowbiz - The beloved "Hunger Games" franchise is set to expand once again with a brand-new installment, "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping." The announcement comes as Lionsgate revealed their plans to adapt Suzanne Collins' forthcoming novel of the same name into a movie, scheduled for a theatrical release on November 20, 2026.
Fans of the series can expect the novel to be available in print, digital, and audio formats on March 18, 2025.
Suzanne Collins, the mastermind behind the original Hunger Games books, will revisit the world of Panem, setting the story 24 years before the events of Katniss Everdeen's adventures.
"Sunrise on the Reaping" focuses on the 50th Hunger Games, known as the Second Quarter Quell, where twice as many tributes - a total of four children - are sent to the Capitol to battle for survival. This particular installment holds special significance for fans, as it chronicles the Games where Haymitch Abernathy emerged victorious. Haymitch, later a mentor to Katniss and Peeta, was portrayed by Woody Harrelson in the original films.
Adam Fogelson, chair of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, expressed his excitement, "Suzanne Collins is a master storyteller and our creative north star. 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. Like fans around the globe, we are eagerly anticipating this exciting return to Panem."
Francis Lawrence, who has directed every "Hunger Games" film since "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire," is in talks to helm "Sunrise on the Reaping." The consistency in the creative team is further highlighted by the involvement of franchise producers Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson, who will produce the film under their Color Force banner. Meredith Wieck and Scott O'Brien will oversee the production for Lionsgate while Patricia Laucella and Phil Strina managed the rights for the book.
"The Hunger Games" franchise, known for its portrayal of a dystopian future and gripping survival stories, has been a cornerstone in the young adult genre and has grossed over $3.3 billion worldwide. Its influence extended beyond books and movies, igniting interest in similar young adult dystopian series like "The Maze Runner" and "Divergent."
The excitement surrounding "Sunrise on the Reaping" builds on the success of the recent prequel "The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes," which grossed $337 million globally. Although it did not reach the heights of the original series, it still turned a profit, encouraging Lionsgate to continue exploring the rich lore of Panem.
With anticipation running high, fans will have plenty to look forward to as they count down the days until 2025, when "Sunrise on the Reaping" hits bookstore shelves, and 2026, when the saga continues on the big screen.
