'The Hunger Games' Series Returns to Theatres Ahead of Prequel This Fall
As the November release of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping quickly approaches, Lionsgate Films is preparing a special treat for audiences to thrust them back into the world of Panem.
In partnership with Fathom Events, Lionsgate will be re-releasing all five previous films in the Hunger Games series. That means that The Hunger Games (2012), The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013), The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 (2014), The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 (2015) and the prequel The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023) will be released once again. In addition to these releases, each film will feature a special look at Sunrise on the Reaping, something any fan of the series is sure to look forward to.
Originally published in 2008 by novelist Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games tells the story of young Katniss Everdeen, a citizen of a dystopian world in which 12 districts have been subjugated in a life of servitude to the vicious Capitol and its president, Coriolanus Snow. As punishment for an uprising decades before, one boy and one girl from each district are picked by the Capitol to compete in a battle to the death known as the Hunger Games. The last surviving competitor is showered with fame and riches. After taking her sister’s place in the games, Katniss is thrown headfirst into the world of the games. As she and her male counterpart, Peeta, seek to survive the games and return to their families, they unknowingly become symbols of rebellion for the Capitol’s victims. The series would continue for two additional stories in which Katniss and Peeta both return to the games and later become leaders in a rebellion against the Capitol and topple Snow’s regime.
The books became an overnight sensation and the film rights were quickly picked up, with the first film being released by Lionsgate in March of 2012. All five films in the series (including the two-part Mockingjay finale and the eventual prequel film) went on to make over $3.3 billion at the box office. The series has become something of a cultural institution In that sense, despite some negative feedback regarding the content of the series. Specifically, the series has been criticized for its violent nature, especially regarding how violence against children is a key component of the narrative.
Regardless, The Hunger Games remains a mainstay in pop culture. This new entry in the series takes place two decades before the original and shows the backstory of Haymitch Abernathy, the mentor of Katniss from the original trilogy of books. Specifically, we are set to see Haymitch’s participation in the 50th annual Hunger Games, in which twice the number of participants are set to battle to the death. The film stars Joseph Zada as Haymitch, Mckenna Grace as his counterpart Maysilee Donner and Ralph Fiennes as President Snow. It was also revealed that original series stars Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson would reprise their roles as Katniss and Peeta.
For those looking to catch up before the new entry in the series drops, this marathon is a great way to do so. The Hunger Games series returns to theatres from September 3rd to September 7th, before the release of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping on November 20th.