The Hunger Games Prequel has made an impressive $5.8 million in previews this past Thursday, marking a triumphant return to theaters over a decade since the first film. 

Francis Lawrence, who has directed the previous Hunger Games films, has returned in the director chair for the sequel. The star-studded cast includes Viola Davis, Rachel Zegler, and Jason Schwartzman, adding to the film’s anticipation. 

Notably, the prequel has outperformed other previews with Trolls Band Together (1.3 million) and Thanksgiving (1 million) falling behind. 

On November 22, Sony’s Napoleon and Disney Animation’s Wish will have joined the lineup of holiday releases. This marks a historic moment as Illumination for the first time in modern history competes directly with a Disney Animation movie during the Thanksgiving season.

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is projected to open in the $50 million range. This is noteworthy, considering it has been over a decade since the first Hunger Games film debuted and eight years since the conclusion of the series.