The fifth “Hunger Games” book, “Sunrise on the Reaping,” announced by Suzanne Collins, will be adapted into a movie by Lionsgate, scheduled for release on November 20, 2026. The book itself is set to be published on March 18, 2025.
Francis Lawrence, known for directing most of “The Hunger Games” movie adaptations, is reportedly in talks to direct the new film based on “Sunrise on the Reaping,” as announced by Lionsgate.
“Sunrise on the Reaping” will take readers back to the world of Panem, specifically twenty-four years prior to the events of “The Hunger Games.”
The story begins on the morning of the reaping for the Fiftieth Hunger Games, also referred to as the Second Quarter Quell.
Suzanne Collins drew inspiration for “Sunrise on the Reaping” from David Hume’s concept of implicit submission, particularly focusing on “the easiness with which the many are governed by the few.”
“The story also lent itself to a deeper dive into the use of propaganda and the power of those who control the narrative,” she added. “The question ‘Real or not real?’ seems more pressing to me every day.”
“Sunrise on the Reaping” adds to “The Hunger Games” series, delving into the backstory of Panem with the Second Quarter Quell. Fans will remember District 12’s victor, Haymitch Abernathy, played by Woody Harrelson in the film series.
This new installment follows the success of the original trilogy and the prequel, “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” continuing the tradition of bringing each book to the big screen.
The immense popularity of “The Hunger Games” series is evident with over 100 million copies of the previous four books sold worldwide in print and digital formats.
Additionally, the five feature films have collectively grossed over $3.3 billion at the worldwide box office, highlighting the widespread appeal and commercial success of the franchise.
