18 Jun – About four years since the world first heard of a possible "Hunger Games" prequel movie in the works, excitement for it is roused once again by the news that trilogy writer Suzanne Collins is releasing a new novel next year. The author is planning a May 2020 release for her new "Hunger Games" novel, which Lionsgate is eyeing for a big screen adaptation, according to The Hollywood Reporter. "As the proud home of the "Hunger Games" movies, we can hardly wait for Suzanne's next book to be published. We've been communicating with her during the writing process and we look forward to continuing to work closely with her on the movie," said Joe Drake, chairman of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group.
The new novel will be set in the world of Panem 64 years before the original "Hunger Games" novel series, on the morning of the reaping of the Tenth Hunger Games. The first "Hunger Games" movie came out seven years ago, followed by "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" (2013) and the two-part finale, "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1" (2014) and "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2" (2015). The original trilogy movie starred Jennifer Lawrence in the lead as Katniss Everdeen, launching her into global stardom. It also starred Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Elizabeth Banks and Woody Harrelson. Aside from the planned prequel movie, Lionsgate is also expanding the "Hunger Games" franchise with a vertical 10-storey theme park – the first in the world – that's opening in China this summer.