‘Sunrise on the Reaping’ Presales Are Reportedly Matching ‘Wicked’, and a Massive Opening Could Be Coming
November is shaping up to be a huge month at the box office, and ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ is one of its biggest tests. Lionsgate’s prequel is returning to Panem with a reported budget between $170 million and $200 million, and the studio needs it to bring audiences back in a big way.
The franchise has a strong track record to live up to. The first 4 films opened to roughly $152.5 million, $158.1 million, $121.9 million and $102.7 million, all clearing $100 million, while ‘The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes’ debuted to a softer $44.6 million, the lowest opening in the series.
Early signs suggest Haymitch’s story could restore the franchise’s blockbuster status. Tickets went on sale on October 28, and box office tracker Global Box Office described the first hours of presales as “insane,” putting them on par with the first ‘Wicked’.
The account went even further, suggesting that if presales keep this pace, the film could post the first $100 million-plus domestic opening since ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’. It’s a bold prediction for a franchise coming off its weakest start.
Lionsgate hasn’t released official presale figures, so the comparison is still unofficial. The tracker’s enthusiasm, though, matches a growing sense that this chapter could be something special.
HUNGER GAMES: SUNRISE ON REAPING is having insane first hours of pre-sales, on par with first WEAKED. If pre-sales keep this pace, we will have the first $100M+ domestic opener since SPIDER-MAN: BND. https://t.co/blGjNwkNU6
— Global Box Office (@GlobalBoxOffice) October 28, 2026
Reaching ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ territory would be a tall order. Sony’s web-slinger opened to about $360 million domestically this summer, setting the all-time record and passing ‘Avengers: Endgame’.
The comparison here isn’t about matching that number. It’s about clearing $100 million, a level no film has reached at the domestic box office since Spider-Man’s record-breaking debut.
Feel the Games in 4DX. #TheHungerGames: Sunrise on the Reaping is in #4DX November 20. Get tickets now: https://t.co/u9ZHQEtJ8Y https://t.co/hXDWzcPwvR
— 4DX (@4dxusa) October 29, 2026
Not every projection is that optimistic. Boxoffice Pro’s long-range forecast puts the opening between $55 million and $65 million, meaning a $100 million weekend would be a dramatic overperformance.
Early presales also tend to be driven by the most dedicated fans, who buy tickets as soon as they’re available. That momentum doesn’t always carry over to general audiences, so the next few weeks of sales will matter a lot.
The film has plenty working in its favor. Its first teaser drew 109 million global views in 24 hours, the second-biggest trailer launch in Lionsgate’s history, and the early reactions after the London premiere were glowing.
May The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping merch be ever in your favor 🦋 The Book Tin is a Regal-exclusive collectible 🤭📚 Get yours at select Regal locations beginning November 18, while supplies last. Tickets are on sale NOW: https://t.co/PLuUIhuiNX https://t.co/L7MZAb6bPQ
— Regal (@RegalMovies) October 28, 2026
Several critics have called it the best film in the franchise, with Joseph Zada’s performance as young Haymitch singled out. Jennifer Lawrence’s confirmed return as Katniss adds another reason for longtime fans to show up. The cast also includes Ralph Fiennes, Elle Fanning, Jesse Plemons, Kieran Culkin, Maya Hawke and Glenn Close, giving the prequel serious star power.
At 158 minutes, ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’ will be the longest film in the series. It’s also playing in premium formats such as IMAX, Dolby Cinema, 4DX and ScreenX, which typically raise ticket prices and help opening-weekend totals.
Fans can catch early-access screenings on November 18 starting at 6 p.m. local time, before the film opens nationwide on November 20. Those early showings will count toward the opening total and could give it a valuable boost.
Their past ignited the future. Watch the new featurette “Origins” from The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping – only in theaters & IMAX November 20. https://t.co/XqyPCyJspK
— The Hunger Games (@TheHungerGames) October 19, 2026
If presales stay this strong, Lionsgate could see a dramatic turnaround for the franchise. A $100 million-plus debut would put ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’ alongside the original films and show that audiences are ready to return to the arena. Even falling short of that mark could still be a big win, especially compared with the last prequel’s opening. Either way, the odds are looking better than they have in years.
Do you think The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping can open above $100 million domestically?
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