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Early Presales Suggest ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’ Could Return ‘The Hunger Games’ to Its Box Office Glory Days

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There was a time when ‘The Hunger Games’ was one of the most reliable box office franchises in Hollywood. Jennifer Lawrence’s Katniss Everdeen made each new chapter an event, and fans turned out in huge numbers whenever the next installment arrived.

The original film opened to $152.5 million domestically, and ‘Catching Fire’ topped it with $158.1 million. Even the 2-part ‘Mockingjay’ finale stayed strong, opening to $121.9 million and $102.7 million. Then came ‘The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes’, which opened to a much more modest $44.6 million, the lowest debut for any film with ‘The Hunger Games’ in the title.

Now, early signs suggest the franchise could be heading back toward its peak. Tickets for ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ went on sale on October 28, and box office trackers on social media were impressed by the first few hours of sales.

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Tracking account EmpireCity Box Office went as far as suggesting a return to the $100 million-plus openings of the original films is a real possibility. The account contrasted that optimism with the softer debut of ‘The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes’.

It’s worth keeping in mind that early presales are only one indicator, and Lionsgate hasn’t released official numbers. Still, the buzz is a welcome sign for a studio betting big on Panem’s return.

Several factors seem to be working in the film’s favor. Suzanne Collins’ novel was a publishing phenomenon, and the first reactions from the London premiere were glowing, with several critics calling it the best film in the franchise.

The cast is also packed with familiar names. Joseph Zada stars as young Haymitch Abernathy, joined by Elle Fanning as a young Effie Trinket, Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, Ralph Fiennes as President Snow, Glenn Close, Kieran Culkin and Maya Hawke.

Perhaps the biggest draw is a familiar face. Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson are both returning as Katniss and Peeta, giving longtime fans another reason to buy tickets on opening weekend.

The studio is clearly investing heavily in the prequel. Its budget is reported at between $170 million and $200 million, well above the roughly $100 million spent on ‘The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes’.

The marketing campaign has matched that scale. Lionsgate put up a statue in Chicago’s Millennium Park in April, followed by 31 more across 30 countries, and revived the in-universe capital.tv website with a video narrated by Fiennes as Snow.

All 5 previous films also returned to theaters ahead of the new release, helping fans revisit the series before Haymitch’s story begins. Fans who can’t wait have options. Special early-access screenings are scheduled for November 18 at select theaters, with premium formats like IMAX, Dolby Cinema, 4DX, and ScreenX expected at some locations.

The film officially opens nationwide on November 20. Set 24 years before the original trilogy, it follows Haymitch through the 50th Hunger Games, the Second Quarter Quell, which puts 48 tributes into the arena.

Matching the original films would be a major achievement. The franchise’s first 4 movies all opened above $100 million domestically, a level most franchises never reach. If presales keep this pace and word of mouth stays strong, ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’ could show that the series still has plenty of life left. After a quieter chapter, the odds may finally be in Lionsgate’s favor again.

Do you think The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping will open above $100 million domestically?

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