Release Dates Of New Hunger Games Novel, Film Announced

The Hunger Games universe is set to expand with the fifth volume of Suzanne Collin's best-selling dystopian series, 'Sunrise on the Reaping' announced to release on March 18, 2025.

Film studio Lionsgate, responsible for the film adaptation of the multibillion dollar Hunger Games franchise, disclosed that "Sunrise on the Reaping" will be scheduled for theatrical release on November 20, 2026.

The story is set in the ravaged post-apocalyptic land of Panem, composed of the wealthy Capitol and the 13 destitute districts. Every year, a pair of children are picked out from the first 12 districts through lottery to participate in a compulsorily-televised death battle called 'The Hunger Games'.

"Sunrise on the Reaping" will return to Panem, 24 years before "The Hunger Games" at the reaping of the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell.

According to ABC News, Collins has drawn upon Greek mythology and Roman gladiator games for her initial 'Hunger Games' books, but for the upcoming novel she cites Scottish Philosopher, David Hume.

"With 'Sunrise on the Reaping,' I was inspired by David Hume's idea of implicit submission and, in his words, 'the easiness with which the many are governed by the few,'" Collins said in a statement.

"The story also lent itself to a deeper dive into the use of propaganda and the power of those who control the narrative. The question 'Real or not real?' seems more pressing to me every day."

"Suzanne Collins is a master storyteller and our creative north star," Lionsgate chair Adam Fogelson said.

"We couldn't be more fortunate than to be guided and trusted by a collaborator whose talent and imagination are so consistently brilliant."