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Full Breakdown

Lionsgate and Fathom Re-Release All Five “Hunger Games” Films Ahead of “Sunrise on the Reaping” Premiere

7/10/2026, 6:48:51 PM

Event Announcement

Lionsgate Motion Picture Group and Fathom Entertainment will screen each of the five existing “Hunger Games” movies in U.S. theaters from September 3 through September 7, 2026. Each day’s showing will include an exclusive theatrical sneak-peek of the upcoming prequel The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, slated for a nationwide release on November 20, 2026. Tickets are already on sale through Fathom’s website and participating box offices.

Background & Context

The franchise began in 2012 with the adaptation of Suzanne Collins’s first novel, starring Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen. The original trilogy (2012-2015) was followed by the prequel The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes in 2023, which introduced a young Coriolanus Snow. The new installment returns to the Second Quarter Quell, set 24 years before the original story, and focuses on a teenage Haymitch Abernathy.

Key Figures & Groups

  • Kevin Grayson, President of Worldwide Distribution, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group.
  • Jason Brenek, CEO of Fathom Entertainment.
  • Francis Lawrence, director and producer of the upcoming film (he directed every previous “Hunger Games” movie since *Catching Fire*).
  • Cast members for *Sunrise on the Reaping* include Joseph Zada (Haymitch), Whitney Peak, Mckenna Grace, Jesse Plemons, Ralph Fiennes, Elle Fanning, Kieran Culkin, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Maya Hawke, Lili Taylor, Ben Wang and Molly McCann.

Timeline

  • September 3, 2026 – *The Hunger Games* screening.
  • September 4, 2026 – *Catching Fire* screening.
  • September 5, 2026 – *Mockingjay – Part 1* screening.
  • September 6, 2026 – *Mockingjay – Part 2* screening.
  • September 7, 2026 – *The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes* screening.
  • November 20, 2026 – Nationwide release of *The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping*.

Official Statements & Responses

Lionsgate’s Kevin Grayson emphasized the event as a “countdown to the 50th Hunger Games,” positioning the re-release as a fan-focused refresher before the new chapter. Fathom Entertainment’s Jason Brenek highlighted the cultural impact of Lawrence’s performances and described the series of sneak-peeks as a “must-see” experience for audiences. Both companies framed the strategy as a partnership that leverages nostalgia to boost anticipation for the prequel.

Verbatim Quotes

  • “’Sunrise on the Reaping’ is the most highly anticipated ‘Hunger Games’ film yet, and to get ready, we’re proud to partner with Fathom to give audiences the opportunity to experience all five original films together in theaters.” — Kevin Grayson, President, Worldwide Distribution, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group
  • “Fathom Entertainment is thrilled to partner once again with Lionsgate in bringing ‘The Hunger Games: All Five Films’ to the big screen Sept.” — Jason Brenek, CEO, Fathom Entertainment
  • “We’re kicking off the countdown to the 50th Hunger Games by inviting audiences back to the theaters to see these epic films on the big screen,” — Kevin Grayson, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group
  • “Jennifer Lawrence's performances as the hero Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games movies were landmark cinematic achievements from 2012-2015,” — Jason Brenek, Fathom Entertainment

Conflicting Reports & Gaps

While most outlets list specific September dates, the *Tribune* article notes that Lionsgate had “yet to reveal screening dates, participating cinemas or ticket sale information,” indicating a discrepancy between early announcements and later confirmations. No additional details on international rollout or pricing have been provided.

Why It Matters

The re-release aligns with a broader industry trend of reviving legacy franchises in theaters ahead of new installments, aiming to re-engage longtime fans and attract younger viewers unfamiliar with the original saga. By bundling exclusive previews with each classic film, Lionsgate and Fathom seek to generate sustained buzz and maximize opening-week box-office performance for *Sunrise on the Reaping*.

What’s Next

The prequel *The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping* will open nationwide on November 20, 2026. Lionsgate has indicated that further promotional events and possible limited-edition merchandise will be announced in the weeks leading up to that date.