New ‘Hunger Games’ Movie Based On Newly Announced Book ‘Sunrise On The Reaping’ Set For 2026 Release

After Hunger Games: Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes hit theaters late last year, a new book from author Suzanne Collins has just been announced. Called The Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping, there’s also set to be a film adaptation to follow its publication. 

Akin to Songbirds And Snakes, Sunrise On The Reaping will be a prequel, this time following the character of Haymitch Abernathy. 

The story will depict the 50th Hunger Games, in which Haymitch made history as the first tribute from District 12 to win a Hunger Games. He then mentored the main protagonist, Katniss Everdeen, throughout her trials in the Hunger Games series. 

Francis Lawrence, director of Catching Fire and the following films in the series, is being eyed to helm the movie. No casting has been announced as of yet. 

Hollywood Reporter noted the Hunger Games franchise has been a financial smash-hit. The totals for the four Hunger Games films add up to $3.3 billion worldwide, with Catching Fire performing the best. Catching Fire in particular made $865 million worldwide. 

Upon unveiling the film, Adam Fogelson, part of the Motion Picture Group for Lionsgate, said, “The Second Quarter Quell is legendary and looms large over the history of the Games, even into the time of Katniss Everdeen a quarter-century later. Like fans around the globe, we are eagerly anticipating this exciting return to Panem.” 

The book will be released on March 18th, 2025 with the movie following on November 20th, 2026.