Will The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping Break Box Office Records?

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is set to be Lionsgate's most expensive film, with a production budget of $200 million. Directed by Francis Lawrence, this sequel to The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes is projected to earn between $250 million and $300 million during its opening weekend. The film follows a young Haymitch Abernathy in the 50th Hunger Games, set 24 years before the original series. Scheduled for release on November 20, the film's financial success will depend on audience reception and box office performance.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 14, 2026, 01:37 IST

A New Chapter in the Hunger Games Saga

The latest addition to the Hunger Games series, titled The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, is poised to become Lionsgate's most costly film to date. Directed by Francis Lawrence, this sequel follows the 2023 film The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes and has attracted considerable attention due to its hefty production budget and expected box office performance.

Reports from the industry indicate that the film's production budget stands at $200 million, excluding further marketing and promotional costs. This substantial investment means the film must achieve a significant box office return to break even. Using the industry standard of 2.5 times the production budget, it would need to earn around $500 million globally to start turning a profit.

Financial Expectations and Franchise Background

Despite the considerable financial risks, initial forecasts suggest that the film is likely to perform well upon its release. Current estimates predict that it could generate between $250 million and $300 million during its opening weekend worldwide. If these projections are accurate, the film could recover its production costs within just a few days of hitting theaters, setting a solid stage for its overall box office journey.

The plot revolves around a 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy, selected to compete in the 50th Hunger Games. Taking place 24 years before the original film's events, the story delves into the Second Quarter Quell, a special edition of the games that mandates each district in Panem to send double the usual number of tributes to the Capitol. The film boasts a star-studded cast, including Joseph Zada, Jesse Plemons, Ralph Fiennes, Glenn Close, Kieran Culkin, Elle Fanning, Mckenna Grace, Maya Hawke, Whitney Peak, and Kelvin Harrison Jr.

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is set to hit theaters on November 20. It's crucial to remember that these financial estimates and box office predictions are based on current industry insights and have yet to be independently confirmed. The film's ultimate commercial success will hinge on audience reception upon its release.