Billy Ray Adapts New Hunger Games Prequel for 2026

Lionsgate has announced the film adaptation of Suzanne Collins' novel 'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping,' set for release on November 20, 2026. The movie will explore the backstory of fan-favorite character Haymitch Abernathy, focusing on his experience during the 50th Hunger Games, known as the Second Quarter Quell. Billy Ray, who wrote the screenplay for the original 'Hunger Games' movie, is set to adapt the prequel, with Francis Lawrence returning to direct. The announcement at CinemaCon included the reveal of the film's logo featuring a mockingjay and snake, symbols tied to the franchise. The novel, released in March 2025, has been a commercial success, selling over 1.2 million copies in its first week in the U.S. While the cast has not been announced, the production is set to begin shooting in July 2025.