The Hunger Games franchise has been a global phenomenon, captivating audiences with its thrilling storylines and intense action. Now, filmmaker Francis Lawrence has signed a first-look producing deal with Lionsgate via his label about:blank, further solidifying the studio's hold on the entertainment world.

Uniting Exceptional Talent and Epic Stories at Lionsgate

Lawrence's Past Successes with The Hunger Games

Just a year ago, Lawrence's prequel The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes opened to great acclaim. It ultimately grossed close to $350 million worldwide, sending the Lionsgate feature series based on Suzanne Collins' novels to an astonishing $3.7 billion in global ticket sales. This success is a testament to Lawrence's ability to create compelling characters and emotions while delivering exciting and visceral action.The Hunger Games franchise has become a cultural phenomenon, with fans around the world eagerly awaiting each new installment. Lawrence's work on these films has set a high standard for the genre, and his continued partnership with Lionsgate is sure to bring more exciting projects to the screen.

The Long Walk and Future Collaborations

Lawrence and his producing partner Cameron MacConomy recently finished production on Lionsgate's The Long Walk, the feature take of the Stephen King novel starring Cooper Hoffman and David Jonsson. This project showcases Lawrence's versatility as a filmmaker, as he takes on a new story and genre.With the director's deal to direct and produce The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, the next film in the series, now closed, Lawrence is prepping work on that project. Cameras will roll next year for a global release scheduled for November 20, 2026. This upcoming film promises to continue the legacy of the Hunger Games franchise and deliver more heart-pounding action and emotional depth.Lionsgate's Motion Picture Group chair, Adam Fogelson, is excited about the deepening relationship with Lawrence. "Francis' ability to marry incredibly compelling characters and emotions with exciting and visceral action and spectacle is exceptional. He's also a thoughtful, committed partner," said Fogelson.Lawrence himself is thrilled to have this opportunity to make Lionsgate his home. "This studio has put together a team of some of the smartest and most decent people I've worked with. We have a lot coming up with The Long Walk and Sunrise on the Reaping and there is so much more we have in mind going forward. This deal empowers Cameron and me to develop and tell new stories that excite us, and there’s nowhere we’d rather be than Lionsgate."As Lawrence gears up for the production of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, fans can look forward to more cinematic magic from this talented team. With their combined creativity and expertise, the future looks bright for both Lawrence and Lionsgate.