1 Apr – Back in 2013, Lionsgate announced its intention of exploring into the theme park business. Fast forward two years later, the plan is coming into fruition with its latest announcement: the studio will be launching new theme park attractions based on "The Hunger Games" franchise. "The Hunger Games" rides will be introduced only in October 2016, however, according to Variety, as that is when Motiongate Dubai will officially open. Lionsgate has teamed up with Dubai Parks and Resorts to bring the Lionsgate Zone into the upcoming theme park. The zone reportedly will feature not only the "Hunger Games" attractions but also a live stage show based on the fourth and fifth instalments in the "Step Up" dance film series.
"The Hunger Games" franchise, starring Jennifer Lawrence as protagonist Katniss Everdeen, started in 2012 with the release of the first film. Sequels "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" and "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1" soon followed in 2013 and 2014, respectively. Last year's "Mockingjay – Part 1" made a worldwide gross of USD752.1 million, USD112.8 million shy of the worldwide collection of "Catching Fire". Both surpassed the first film's performance at the box office, as "The Hunger Games" only made USD691.2 million worldwide. The final instalment, "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2", opens in cinemas on 19 November 2015.