Yahoo Lifestyle ‘The Hunger Games’ Franchise Director Francis Lawrence Sets First-Look Producing Deal at Lionsgate
“The Hunger Games” franchise director Francis Lawrence has signed a first-look producing deal with Lionsgate through his company About:Blank.
Lawrence also closed a deal to return to direct and produce the next film in the “Hunger Games” franchise, “Sunrise on the Reaping.” The filmmaker is prepping work on that project, which is based on a new prequel novel from author Suzanne Collins. “Sunrise on the Reaping” will go into production next year to make its scheduled Nov. 20, 2026 release date. Lawrence’s four “Hunger Games” films (“Catching Fire,” “Mockingjay” parts one and two and last year’s “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes”) have collectively generated nearly $3.7 billion in ticket sales worldwide.
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“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,” stated Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chair Adam Fogelson, announcing news of the deal. “We are beyond excited to deepen our relationship.”
In addition to the “Hunger Games” movies, Lawrence and his About:Blank producing partner Cameron MacConomy recently wrapped production on Lionsgate’s “The Long Walk,” an adaptation of the novel by Stephen King, starring Cooper Hoffman and David Jonsson.
“I’m thrilled to have this opportunity to make Lionsgate my home,” said Lawrence. “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.”
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