A New ‘Hunger Games’ Book — and Movie — is Coming
Suzanne Collins Returns to Panem with “Sunrise on the Reaping”
NEW YORK — Fans of the dystopian saga, get ready! Suzanne Collins, the mastermind behind “The Hunger Games” series, is set to transport readers back to the haunting world of Panem with her upcoming novel, “Sunrise on the Reaping.”
The Return to Panem
Scholastic announced on Thursday that the fifth installment in the blockbuster series will hit shelves on March 18, 2025. Titled “Sunrise on the Reaping,” the novel promises to delve into the dark history of Panem, beginning with the reaping of the Fiftieth Hunger Games. This installment is set 24 years before the events of the original “Hunger Games” novel and 40 years after the latest release, “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.”
From Page to Screen
But that’s not all for fans to anticipate. Lionsgate, the studio behind the film adaptations of the series, revealed that “Sunrise on the Reaping” will make its cinematic debut on Nov. 20, 2026. Francis Lawrence, who helmed several previous installments, will return to direct the film adaptation, promising to bring Collins’ vision vividly to life on the big screen.
A Journey Back to the Capitol
Collins, known for her intricate world-building and thought-provoking narratives, has once again found inspiration in unexpected places. For “Sunrise on the Reaping,” she draws from the philosophy of 18th-century thinker David Hume, exploring themes of implicit submission and the manipulation of truth through propaganda.
In a statement, Collins shared her creative process: “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.”
A Phenomenon Returns
Since its debut in 2008, “The Hunger Games” series has captivated audiences worldwide, selling over 100 million copies and spawning a multibillion-dollar film franchise. With its gripping storyline and memorable characters, the series has left an indelible mark on popular culture.
Lionsgate chair Adam Fogelson praised Collins as “a master storyteller and our creative north star,” expressing gratitude for her continued collaboration.
The Saga Continues
As anticipation builds for “Sunrise on the Reaping,” fans can also look forward to other adaptations in the “Hunger Games” universe. Last year saw the release of the film adaptation of “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” while this fall will mark the debut of a stage production in London.
Stay tuned as Suzanne Collins prepares to transport readers and viewers once again to the captivating world of Panem, where survival is not just a game, but a fight for truth and freedom.