There’s never been a better time to return to Panem. With The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping set to hit theaters on November 20, Lionsgate is giving fans the chance to experience the entire franchise where it belongs: on the big screen. The official The Hunger Games social media accounts announced that all five existing movies will return to theaters this September, sharing a teaser that reads, “Five films you’ll always remember, back in theaters this September,” just months before the next installment premieres.
The event will run from September 3 through September 7 in partnership with Fathom Entertainment, with one movie screening each day. Tickets are on sale now through Fathom Entertainment and participating theater box offices. Each screening will also include an exclusive theatrical sneak peek at The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. It’s the first time audiences will have the opportunity to watch the complete saga in theaters before a new chapter arrives, making for an ideal refresher before Haymitch Abernathy’s story finally takes center stage. The rerelease also continues what’s become a growing trend of bringing beloved franchises back to theaters ahead of major new installments. For The Hunger Games, it gives longtime fans another chance to revisit Katniss Everdeen’s revolution while introducing newer audiences to the series before the next generation of tributes enters the arena.
Haymitch’s Story Will Be Told in ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping adapts Suzanne Collins‘ bestselling novel and takes place 24 years before the original movie, centering on a 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy during the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell. Unlike the traditional Games, this Quarter Quell forces twice as many tributes into the arena, setting the stage for one of the deadliest competitions in Panem’s history. The upcoming movie stars Joseph Zada as Haymitch alongside an impressive ensemble cast including Whitney Peak, Mckenna Grace, Jesse Plemons, Ralph Fiennes, Elle Fanning, Kieran Culkin, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Maya Hawke, Lili Taylor, Ben Wang, and Molly McCann. Francis Lawrence returns to direct after previously helming every Hunger Games movie since Catching Fire.
Every screening in the event will feature a different theatrical-exclusive sneak peek at The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. “Jennifer Lawrence’s performances as the hero Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games movies were landmark cinematic achievements from 2012-2015,” Fathom Entertainment CEO Jason Brenek said in a statement. “With each film featuring a distinct, theatrical exclusive look at The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, this is a must-see series of films for fans.”
The September event will include The Hunger Games on September 3, Catching Fire on September 4, Mockingjay – Part 1 on September 5, Mockingjay – Part 2 on September 6, and The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes on September 7. Tickets are on sale now through Fathom Entertainment and participating theater box offices.
via Collider