New ‘Hunger Games’ Movie, Based on Suzanne Collins’ Upcoming Novel, Premieres in 2026

A new ‘Hunger Games’ prequel film is set to hit theatres in 2026, continuing the saga of the dystopian world of Panem. Following the success of ‘The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’, which grossed $337 million, Lionsgate has hinted at the potential for more stories from this universe. The studio’s motion picture group chairman, Adam Fogelson, emphasised that the prequel opened up numerous possibilities for future narratives.

Suzanne Collins, the acclaimed author of the original ‘Hunger Games’ series, is currently working on a new book titled ‘Sunrise on the Reaping,’ slated for release in 2025. The film adaptation of this upcoming novel will premiere on November 20, 2026, with Francis Lawrence, who directed several previous ‘Hunger Games’ instalments, expected to return as director.

Also Read: Suzanne Collins to Publish New ‘Hunger Games’ Novel in 2025

‘Sunrise on the Reaping’ will explore Panem 24 years before the original series and four decades after ‘The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’. The story begins on the day of the reaping for the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell. This pivotal event features Haymitch Abernathy, who later becomes a mentor to Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark in the 74th Hunger Games. Woody Harrelson originally portrayed Haymitch in the series.

Fogelson praised Suzanne Collins as a master storyteller and expressed excitement about collaborating with her once more. He highlighted the significance of the Second Quarter Quell in the lore of the Hunger Games, noting its lasting impact on the history of the Games and its connection to Katniss Everdeen’s story.

Meredith Wieck and Scott O’Brien will oversee the production of the new film, while Patricia Laucella and Phil Strina will handle the book rights for Lionsgate. The ‘Hunger Games’ franchise has amassed over $3.3 billion at the global box office, with “Catching Fire” being the highest-grossing film in the series.

‘The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’, set 64 years before Katniss Everdeen’s time, featured Tom Blyth as a young Coriolanus Snow and Rachel Zegler as District 12 tribute Lucy Gray Baird. Despite not reaching the original series’ box office heights, the prequel’s financial success has paved the way for this new instalment. The film will delve deeper into Panem’s history and the events that shaped its future, continuing to captivate audiences with its rich storytelling and complex characters.

-Sushmita Sarkar