Francis Lawrence Signs First-Look Deal With Lionsgate, Gears Up For New ‘Hunger Games’ Film

Francis Lawrence, the director behind The Hunger Games franchise, has signed a first-look producing agreement with Lionsgate through his production company, About:Blank. The announcement comes as Lawrence prepares to helm the next installment in the Hunger Games saga, Sunrise on the Reaping, based on Suzanne Collins’ latest prequel novel. This latest addition will focus on Panem 24 years before the original series.

Set to go into production next year, Sunrise on the Reaping is slated for a November 20, 2026 release. This marks Lawrence’s continued involvement with the franchise, which has already generated nearly $3.7 billion globally through his work on the Hunger Games.

Alongside his work on the Hunger Games universe, Lawrence recently completed production on The Long Walk, a Lionsgate adaptation of Stephen King’s novel. 

The partnership signals a deepening relationship between Lionsgate and Lawrence, positioning the director as a cornerstone of the studio’s future. As both a producer and director, Lawrence is poised to expand his creative reach while continuing to deliver ambitious, character-driven stories for global audiences.

With Sunrise on the Reaping on the horizon and a slate of new projects in development, Lawrence and Lionsgate are set to build on their successful collaboration, cementing their place as a driving force in blockbuster and prestige filmmaking.