Suzanne Collins’ dystopian sci-fi novel series The Hunger Games trilogy was adapted to the big screen starring Jennifer Lawrence in the lead role, and became hugely successful with young adults all over the world. The author’s prequel book The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes was also made into a movie in 2023 starring Rachel Zegler and Tom Blyth.
Now, another novel in the series has been officially confirmed by Collins titled Sunrise of the Reaping, which is due to hit stands in March 2025. Die-hard fans are already manifesting another blockbuster film to be made based on this novel. But is there a future for Lawrence in the franchise based on the timeline of the book?
The Latest Novel In The Hunger Games Is Getting Fans Extremely Excited
Author Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games series of novels caught the fancy of young adults globally and became an even bigger sensation after they were adapted into films. The trilogy starring Jennifer Lawrence made the actor a recognizable face in Hollywood while the 2023 prequel starring Rachel Zegler also received positive reviews.
Collins is now back to putting pen to paper again with her latest book in the series titled Sunrise of the Reaping. According to a report in Associated Press (via Variety), the book will be a prequel to the original trilogy, but will serve as a sequel to The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes as it is set 40 years after the events in that book. The novel will hit the stands on March 18th, 2025.
Following this bit of news, fans flooded social media to express their excitement on not just another Collins masterpiece to look forward to, but also to manifest their desire to see another film being adapted from it. Judging by the timeline mentioned, they also speculated if Woody Harrelson’s Haymitch Abernathy, who was pivotal to the original trilogy, could feature in this narrative.
i speak for everyone when i say we also want a movie version
— Vikas (@thunderxstorm07) June 6, 2024
Hunger games never finished can't wait to watch it
— majidadin matasa (@sadeiqsb) June 6, 2024
Could it be??? pic.twitter.com/QhPKWeFLuC
— Staff Pick Films (@StaffPickFilms) June 6, 2024
Whoa, that's crazy, but we're in the mood for a movie
— LUCY🐰 (@lucyqrow) June 6, 2024
Haymitch Victory Royale we will be there
— Charlie💥🎯 (@Charlie_YSL) June 6, 2024
Make it into a movie or series
— Every Film Plug (@everyfilmplug) June 6, 2024
Looking at the responses for the book and a possible film that could materialize, there is no doubt that The Hunger Games franchise is here to stay. All eyes will be on Collins now to see what magic she weaves through her narrative.
What is Jennifer Lawrence’s Future As Katniss Everdeen?
Suzanne Collins’ latest novel in The Hunger Games series is set 40 years after the events in The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, which in itself, is a prequel to the original trilogy set 64 years before Jennifer Lawrence’s Katniss Everdeen appeared.
While fans have done their permutations and combinations to arrive at the possibility that Woody Harrelson’s Haymitch Abernathy could enter the fray in the novel in a younger avatar, these timelines are a clear indicator that Lawrence’s character cannot feature in the mix.
The Oscar winner for her part, has always kept this role close to her heart. In an interview with Variety in 2023, Lawrence revealed that she would wholeheartedly accept a reprisal of her character if the possibility presented itself.
But the chances of this happening were seen as bleak by franchise producer Nina Jacobson and director Francis Lawrence, who believe that Katniss’ arc came a full circle with the trilogy. They also stated that the character could only be brought back if Collins herself had ideas of reintroducing her through future novels.
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes can be rented on Apple TV.
Sunrise of the Reaping will hit the stands on March 18th, 2025.
