The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping Movie Release Date Set For 2026

Emily Lee

Sunrise On The Reaping

Fans of The Hunger Games series have reason to celebrate, as Lionsgate has announced the release date for the next installment in the franchise. “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping” will premiere in theaters on November 20, 2026. This new film adapts Suzanne Collins’ upcoming prequel novel of the same name, set to be published on March 18, 2025.

The movie continues the expansion of The Hunger Games universe. It takes place during the 50th Hunger Games, providing more backstory to the dystopian world of Panem. Francis Lawrence, who directed the last four films in the series, is expected to return for this project.

Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson will produce the film, bringing their experience from previous Hunger Games movies. The announcement has sparked excitement among fans, who are eager to see how this new chapter will connect to the stories they know and love.

Returning to Panem: Sunrise on the Reaping

A New Hunger Games Movie is Coming

Good news for Hunger Games fans! A new movie is on its way. It’s called The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. We now know when it will be in theaters.

Release Date

The movie will come out on November 20, 2026. That’s a little while away, but fans now have a date to look forward to.

Based on the New Book

The movie is based on Suzanne Collins’s newest Hunger Games book. The book also has the same title: Sunrise on the Reaping. If you’ve read the book, you’ll know what the movie is about.

What the Story is About

The story takes place a long time before the other Hunger Games stories. It’s set 24 years before Katniss Everdeen’s story. It’s about the 50th Hunger Games. This was a very important Hunger Games called the Second Quarter Quell. Haymitch Abernathy won this Hunger Games. So, the movie will likely show us Haymitch’s story.

Who is Making the Movie?

Francis Lawrence is likely to direct the movie. He directed some of the other Hunger Games movies. Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson will be the producers. They also worked on the other movies.

What We Know So Far

Here’s a quick summary of the important details:

FeatureDetails
Movie TitleThe Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping
Release DateNovember 20, 2026
Story Time Period24 years before The Hunger Games (50th Hunger Games)
Likely DirectorFrancis Lawrence
ProducersNina Jacobson, Brad Simpson

Key Takeaways

  • The new Hunger Games movie will be released on November 20, 2026
  • The film adapts Suzanne Collins’ upcoming prequel novel “Sunrise on the Reaping”
  • Francis Lawrence is expected to direct, with Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson producing

The Hunger Games Franchise Evolution

The Hunger Games franchise has grown from a young adult novel series to a global entertainment phenomenon. Its success spans books, films, and a devoted fanbase.

Origins and Growth

Suzanne Collins introduced The Hunger Games in 2008. The dystopian novel quickly gained popularity among young readers. Its gripping story of survival and rebellion resonated widely.

Two sequels followed: Catching Fire in 2009 and Mockingjay in 2010. The trilogy sold millions of copies worldwide. It attracted readers of all ages with its mix of action, politics, and drama.

The books’ success led to a film adaptation. Lionsgate acquired the movie rights in 2009. The first film premiered in 2012, starring Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen.

Critical and Commercial Success

The Hunger Games movies became box office hits. They earned over $3.3 billion globally. Catching Fire, released in 2013, was the highest-grossing installment with $865 million.

Critics praised the films for their faithful adaptations. They highlighted the strong performances and visual effects. The movies introduced the story to an even wider audience.

The franchise’s success extended beyond ticket sales. It sparked merchandise lines, theme park attractions, and a devoted fan community. The series left a lasting impact on popular culture.

Expansion with Sunrise on the Reaping

In 2020, Collins released a prequel novel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. It explored the early days of the Hunger Games world. The book’s popularity reignited interest in the franchise.

Lionsgate announced a film adaptation of the prequel. The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is set for release on November 20, 2026. This new installment aims to expand the series’ lore.

The upcoming film represents a fresh chapter for the franchise. It offers fans a chance to revisit the world of Panem. The movie’s success could lead to further expansions of the Hunger Games universe.

Sunrise on the Reaping: Anticipated Release

“The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping” will hit theaters on November 20, 2026. Fans can expect a return to Panem with familiar producers and a proven director at the helm.

Announcement and Expectations

Lionsgate made the official announcement for “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping” release date. The film is set to premiere on November 20, 2026. This date gives the production team ample time to craft a high-quality addition to the franchise.

Francis Lawrence, who directed three previous Hunger Games films, will return to direct. His experience with the series suggests a consistent visual style and tone. Producers Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson are also coming back, bringing their expertise to the project.

Adam Fogelson, chair of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, expressed enthusiasm for the new installment. The studio’s commitment to the franchise indicates their confidence in its continued success.

Continuing the Legacy

“Sunrise on the Reaping” will explore the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell. This setting offers a fresh perspective on the series’ world while maintaining connections to familiar elements.

The film follows the release of the book by the same name, scheduled for March 18, 2025. This timing allows readers to engage with the story before seeing it on screen.

Lionsgate’s decision to produce another Hunger Games movie shows the enduring popularity of the franchise. It also demonstrates the studio’s strategy to expand the Panem universe beyond the original trilogy.

Fans can look forward to new characters and storylines while potentially seeing references to established favorites. The movie promises to deepen the lore of the Hunger Games world.

Frequently Asked Questions

The upcoming Hunger Games film has generated significant interest. Fans are eager to learn about its release date, plot details, and production status.

What is the release date for the latest Hunger Games film?

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is set to release on November 20, 2026. This date marks the theatrical debut of the sixth installment in the franchise.

Are there any new installments of The Hunger Games series announced for production?

Lionsgate has announced The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping as the next film in the series. It is based on the prequel novel of the same name by Suzanne Collins.

What details are available regarding the upcoming Hunger Games movie?

The film will explore Panem 24 years before the events of the original Hunger Games. It begins on the morning of the reaping for the 50th Hunger Games, known as the Second Quarter Quell.

Will there be an expansion to The Hunger Games franchise in the near future?

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping represents an expansion of the franchise. It takes viewers back in time to explore the earlier years of Panem’s history.

Can we expect a continuation of The Hunger Games story in the upcoming years?

With the announcement of Sunrise on the Reaping, fans can anticipate a continuation of The Hunger Games narrative. The film will provide new insights into the world of Panem.

Has the production status been confirmed for the newly announced Hunger Games movie?

While specific production details are limited, Lionsgate has confirmed the film’s development. Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson are set to return as producers for the project.