Everything in the entertainment industry moves quickly, especially when it comes to the treatment of worldwide beloved productions. Such is the case with “Sunrise on the Reaping,” the upcoming “Hunger Games” picture announced on the same day the novel in which it will be based was confirmed.

It’s not surprising to see Lionsgate rapidly acquiring the distribution rights for the adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ newly announced book. After all, her creations have given the production company one of its most successful film series, collectively earning $593 million against a budget of $3.3 million.

Lionsgate’s solid objective to secure the production of the fifth movie in the “Hunger Games” franchise is evident, as they have already released most of the information about it. Here are all the details

All the latest on ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’, the fifth ‘Hunger Games’ movie

The “Sunrise on the Reaping” movie will serve as a prequel to the “Hunger Games” trilogy. Positioned after “The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes,” it will unfold 24 years before Katniss Everdeen volunteered as a tribute.

Woody Harrelson and Jennifer Lawrence in “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2.” (Source: IMDb)

Woody Harrelson and Jennifer Lawrence in “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2.” (Source: IMDb)

While the confirmation of this prequel came recently, Lionsgate had hinted at it during the release of the last film in the franchise, featuring Rachel Zegler. Back then, Lionsgate’s main producer, Adam Fogelson, indicated that Suzanne Collins would be writing more stories for them to adapt.

The forthcoming film will center on Haymitch Abernathy, Katniss’s mentor, during the time when he emerged victorious in the Hunger Games’ 50th edition at the age of sixteen. It will likely delve into darker themes, since it will feature 48 tributes, resulting in more casualties than the usual in this universe.

Variety has confirmed that the production is slated for release on November 20, 2026. This aligns with the release schedule of all installments since Francis Lawrence assumed the helm of the film series in 2013, with premieres consistently falling on or around the same date.

While casting details are yet to be announced, it’s evident that the ensemble will comprise young stars already established in Hollywood, similar to the involvement of Hunter Schafer and Tom Blyth in “The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.”