new-hunger-games-movie-set-for-2026-release

Hollywood studios have announced they are developing a new "Hunger Games" movie based on Suzanne Collins's novel.

 

Collins announced the fifth book in the dystopian franchise on Thursday. Titled “Sunrise on the Reaping”, the novel will be released next year.

 

In a recent announcement, Adam Fogelson, chair of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, shared plans for developing a screen adaptation of the latest chapter in the "Hunger Games" series. The movie is scheduled for theatrical release on November 20, 2026.

 

Filmmaker Francis Lawrence, known for directing four previous films in the franchise, is expected to lead the project. The production will be handled by Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson’s Color Force banner.

 

The "Hunger Games" series, known for exploring themes such as survival, oppression, rebellion, and the implications of power, began with Collins' first book, "The Hunger Games," in 2008. This was followed by sequels, "Catching Fire" (2009) and "Mockingjay" (2010).

 

Lionsgate brought the series to the big screen with the Jennifer Lawrence-starrer "The Hunger Games" in 2012, followed by three sequels: "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" (2013), "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay—Part 1" (2014), and "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay—Part 2" (2015).

 

The story is set in the dystopian country of Panem, which consists of the affluent Capitol and 13 impoverished districts. Annually, children from the first 12 districts are chosen to participate in a televised battle royale death match known as The Hunger Games.

 

Additionally, a prequel to the original trilogy titled "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes" was penned by Collins in 2020. Lionsgate subsequently released its film adaptation in 2023, with Tom Blyth and Rachel Zegler taking on the lead roles.

 

"Sunrise on the Reaping" will return to the world of Panem 24 years before the events of "The Hunger Games" and is timed for the reaping of the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell.