New Hunger Games Film to Arrive November 20, 2026
The latest installment in the dystopian franchise debuts in theaters with no major wide-release competition.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Science Fiction
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Lionsgate will release The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping nationwide on November 20, 2026. This sixth entry in the series is currently projected to earn between $55 million and $65 million during its domestic opening weekend.
Why it matters
As the latest addition to a long-running franchise, this film looks to build on the performance of 2023s The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. Success in this release could solidify the continued commercial viability of the series for the studio.
The 2023 prequel The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes opened to $44.6 million and earned a total of $166.3 million domestically. The upcoming film currently tracks for an opening between $55 million and $65 million.
The players
Lionsgate
This American entertainment company serves as the studio responsible for producing and distributing the Hunger Games film franchise.
Francis Lawrence
He is an acclaimed filmmaker who has directed every entry in the Hunger Games series except for the initial 2012 film.
Jennifer Lawrence
An Academy Award-winning actress known for her portrayal of Katniss Everdeen in the Hunger Games film series.
Josh Hutcherson
He is a prominent actor best known for his role as Peeta Mellark in the globally successful Hunger Games franchise.
The details
Directed by Francis Lawrence, the film continues the series with Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson reportedly reprising their roles for the epilogue. The project enters the market as a standalone wide release for its debut weekend.
Timeline
The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes opened in theaters during 2023.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is scheduled for release on November 20, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The film follows the release pattern established by the 2023 domestic opening of The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. It highlights the ongoing reliance of major studios on proven intellectual property to navigate the competitive theatrical landscape.
Fans can plan for a wide theatrical release when the movie arrives in cinemas nationwide on November 20, 2026. Because the film occupies the opening weekend without major wide-release competition, viewers will likely face easier access to showtimes.
The takeaway
Franchise longevity often depends on a studio's ability to balance new narratives with the return of familiar faces. Viewers interested in the series can revisit previous entries to prepare for the expanding scope of the franchise's cinematic universe.
Further reading
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