New Book and Movie Release Dates
Later that day, Lionsgate revealed that “Sunrise on the Reaping” will hit theaters on November 20, 2026, with Francis Lawrence returning as director. Lawrence directed all but the first “Hunger Games” movie. The previous four books have sold over 100 million copies and have been translated into numerous languages. Collins concluded the series with “Mockingjay” in 2010, stating in 2015 that she was moving on to other projects. However, she surprised fans in 2019 by announcing she was working on what became “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” released in 2020 and set 64 years before the first book.
Inspirations and Themes
For her new book, Collins draws inspiration from Scottish Enlightenment philosopher David Hume. “With ‘Sunrise on the Reaping,’ I was inspired by David Hume’s idea of implicit submission and, in his words, ‘the easiness with which the many are governed by the few,’” Collins explained. She also intends to explore themes of propaganda and narrative control, posing the question, “Real or not real?” as increasingly relevant.
Massive Success of ‘The Hunger Games’ Franchise
The “Hunger Games” films have been a massive success for Lionsgate, grossing billions worldwide. Jennifer Lawrence starred as Katniss Everdeen in the film adaptations of “The Hunger Games,” “Catching Fire,” and the two-part “Mockingjay.” The cast also featured notable actors like Philip Seymour Hoffman, Josh Hutcherson, Stanley Tucci, and Donald Sutherland.
“Suzanne Collins is a master storyteller and our creative north star,” said Lionsgate chair Adam Fogelson. “We couldn’t be more fortunate than to have a collaborator whose talent and imagination are so consistently brilliant.”
Upcoming Adaptations
The film adaptation of “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” featuring Tom Blyth and Rachel Zegler, premiered last year. Additionally, a “Hunger Games” stage production will debut in London this fall.
