‘Hunger Games’ movie based on new Suzanne Collins novel in the works; set for 2026 release

Lionsgate has announced a new ‘Hunger Games’ movie, ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping,’ based on Suzanne Collins' upcoming novel. Adam Fogelson, chair of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, revealed that Francis Lawrence is in talks to direct, with Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson’s Color Force producing.

Lawrence, screenwriter Michael Arndt, and producer Jacobson previously collaborated on the four film adaptations of Collins' books, which grossed $3.3 billion at the box office.

Suzanne Collins and her publisher Scholastic announced the fifth book in the series on June 6. ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’ will be published simultaneously in print, digital, and audio formats in North America and other English-speaking territories on March 18, 2025.

Set in the Hunger Games universe, Sunrise on the Reaping returns to Panem 24 years before the events of The Hunger Games, focusing on the reaping of the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell.

‘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 eagerly anticipate this exciting return to Panem,’ said Lionsgate’s Adam Fogelson.

The 50th Hunger Games are noteworthy as they marked Haymitch Abernathy’s victory, the only winner from District 12 prior to Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark’s dual win 24 years later. Haymitch, who became a mentor to tributes from his district, was portrayed by Woody Harrelson in the previous Hunger Games films.

‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ film will follow The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes prequel movie and will be the sixth ‘Hunger Games’ movie from Color Force. Lionsgate debuted the first of four blockbuster movies in 2012, based on Suzanne Collins' novels, which starred Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen. The studio’s adaptation of the original book saw Katniss and fellow District 12 tribute Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) sent to the Capitol to fight for survival.

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