The world of Panem is roaring back to life in 2026, and it’s not just the Capitol that’s buzzing. From a record-breaking new novel to marathon movie screenings and a streaming comeback, The Hunger Games franchise is proving it can survive—and even thrive—without its original star at the center. Whether you’re a die-hard tribute or a newcomer drawn in by the latest headlines, there’s never been a better time to revisit (or discover) the dystopian phenomenon that’s captivated millions.
Let’s start with the headline-making news: Suzanne Collins’ latest prequel, Sunrise on the Reaping, is rewriting the rules for what a franchise can do after its main story has ended. Released on March 18, 2025, across the United States, Canada, the U.K., Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand, the book has already become a sensation. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the English-language edition of Sunrise on the Reaping sold a jaw-dropping 1.5 million copies in its first week alone, with 1.2 million of those sales coming from the U.S. That’s not just impressive—it’s historic. The new prequel outsold the first week of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by a factor of two and the original trilogy’s finale, Mockingjay, by a factor of three. In fact, it’s the third-biggest bestseller of 2025 so far, trailing only The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins and Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros.
What’s the secret sauce? Sunrise on the Reaping doesn’t rehash Katniss Everdeen’s journey. Instead, it dives into the backstory of Haymitch Abernathy, Katniss’ wry and battle-scarred mentor, chronicling his own fight for survival in the 50th Hunger Games. By focusing on Haymitch—a fan favorite whose time in the arena was only hinted at in the original trilogy—Collins has tapped into a goldmine of untold stories, breathing new life into Panem’s past while sidestepping the narrative dead-ends that come with Katniss’ completed arc.
This pivot away from Katniss and Jennifer Lawrence, who anchored the blockbuster film series from 2012 through 2015, might have seemed risky. After all, Lawrence’s performance turned her into a global superstar and made Katniss a pop culture icon. But the numbers don’t lie: fans are more than willing to follow new heroes through the Capitol’s deadly games. As Screen Rant observed, "Sunrise on the Reaping has already become a smash hit...proving that the franchise can find a way forward without Lawrence or Katniss."
Of course, the story doesn’t end on the page. Lionsgate has already greenlit a movie adaptation of Sunrise on the Reaping, slated for a theatrical release on November 20, 2026. This prequel strategy isn’t new—2023’s The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes film, which explored the early life of future dictator Coriolanus Snow, grossed $349 million on a $100 million budget, according to The Hollywood Reporter. But with Sunrise doubling the book sales of Ballad in its first week, anticipation is sky-high that the new film could outpace its predecessor at the box office and perhaps even challenge the original movies’ impressive numbers (the lowest-grossing, Mockingjay – Part 2, still pulled in $653.4 million worldwide).
For fans hungry for a return to Panem, the wait for the new film is being sweetened by a wave of nostalgia-fueled events and streaming deals. As of January 14, 2026, every Hunger Games movie—including the four original films and The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes—is available exclusively on Peacock, as reported by El-Balad. This marks the franchise’s return to streaming after a brief stint on HBO Max, making it easier than ever for both new and longtime fans to binge the entire saga in one place.
Meanwhile, in Salt Lake City, Megaplex Theatres is pulling out all the stops with its "Return to Panem MegaMarathon." Over the weekend of January 17 and 18, 2026, moviegoers can watch all five films back-to-back—a 13-hour, 20-minute cinematic odyssey, complete with unlimited popcorn, soda, and themed snacks like the Nightlock Berry Blend shake and Tracker Jack Nachos. For those who prefer a slower pace (or a shorter time commitment), individual screenings of each film are available for just $5 a ticket from January 16 through February 19. The marathon even includes photo ops and meal packages for the diehard fans willing to brave the entire run.
And if you’re more of a night owl, BBC One is joining the fun by airing The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 at 11:40 PM on January 15, 2026. The film, which begins the two-part finale of the saga, showcases Jennifer Lawrence’s Katniss leading an underground revolution—a reminder of just how powerful and timely the franchise’s themes remain.
But what about Jennifer Lawrence and the original cast? While Sunrise on the Reaping proves the franchise can stand on its own, it also offers a tantalizing opportunity for old favorites to return. The novel features an epilogue set in the present day, reuniting Katniss and Peeta (played by Josh Hutcherson in the films) for the first time since Mockingjay. As Screen Rant notes, "The surprising scene features the return of both Katniss and Peeta, allowing for both Lawrence and Hutcherson to briefly reprise their roles, should they wish to." It’s a clever nod to the past that could draw even more fans to theaters—and maybe even tempt Lawrence herself back into the fold, if only for a cameo.
Still, the franchise faces some narrative hurdles. Haymitch’s popularity makes him an ideal subject for a prequel, but as Screen Rant points out, "the majority [of other major characters] are roughly the same age as Katniss, which would mean that their stories overlap in ways that the author does not seem keen to explore." Collins’ willingness to leap decades into Panem’s past with both Ballad and Sunrise suggests she’s more interested in expanding the universe than simply rehashing old ground. The casting of a young Haymitch for the upcoming film remains a closely watched secret, and fans are already speculating about who might step into Woody Harrelson’s formidable shoes.
For now, the future of The Hunger Games looks brighter—and more unpredictable—than ever. With a bestselling book, a hotly anticipated film, marathon screenings, and a streaming home for the full collection, Panem’s legacy is secure. Whether you’re revisiting the rebellion or meeting Haymitch for the first time, there’s no denying the franchise’s enduring grip on our collective imagination.
One thing’s for sure: the odds of The Hunger Games fading quietly into the night? Not likely. Not with so many fans, new stories, and cinematic adventures still to come.
