Back in July 2012, just months after the firstHunger Gamesdebuted in blockbuster fashion, Lionsgate confirmed that the third novel inSuzanne Collins' trilogy would be split into a two-part movie. That strategy didn’t exactly pay off the way the studio had hoped, withThe Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2opening to a franchise-low $102.6 million last month, taking in $227.3 million in three weeks. While the final installment is on pace to be the lowest-grossing movie in the lucrative franchise, the numbers are still high enough for the studio to be preppingHunger Gamesprequels. While speaking at the Lionsgate entertainment vice chairman Michael Burns, Lionsgate entertainment vice chairman Michael Burns revealed that prequels are definitely happening, according toThe Hollywood Reporter.
“The one thing that kids say they missed (from the earlyHunger Gamesfilms) was there was no arenas. If we went backwards there obviously would be arenas.”
This isn’t the first we’ve heard of Lionsgate’s attempts to extend this lucrative franchise. Back in February, studio CEOJon Feltenheimertold investors on a conference call that they are “actively developing” both sequel andprequelideas. Back in July, during an appearance onConan, franchise starJosh Hutchersonteased that there are prequels and/or sequels being developed by Lionsgate, but he wouldn’t divulge any specific details. It seems that, fromMichael Burns' comments, the studio is more interested in prequels than sequels at this time.
What remains uncertain at this point is whether or not authorSuzanne Collinswould be involved in any continuation of this franchise. Her original novel centered on the 74th AnnualHunger Games, with follow-upThe Hunger Games: Catching Firetaking place during the 75th AnnualHunger Games, a.k.a. The Quarter Quell. It’s no surprise that the studio would want to go back to stories that take place during the games themselves, since the first two movies are the highest-grossing out of the four at thebox office.
It’s worth noting that, last month,Francis Lawrence, who directedThe Hunger Games: Catching Fire,The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1andThe Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2, said he isn’t sure fans would want to see these deadly games unfold again, especially since they will have already known the outcome. The filmmaker did add that he would come back for anothersequel, but only ifSuzanne Collinswas involved in creating a story that continued the franchise in some way. It isn’t known if the studio has any writer or director attached to develop these prequel ideas that are currently in development.
Michael Burnsalso comparedHunger Gamesto theHarry Potterfranchise, saying theHunger Gameswill “live on and on and on.” TheHarry Potteris currently being expanded itself, withFantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, which is written byJ.K. Rowlingand set 70 years beforeHarry Potterfirst enters Hogwarts. The author is also producing a stage play entitledHarry Potter and the Cursed Child, which is officially the eighth story in the beloved franchise. What do you think about theHunger Gamesfranchise continuing through new prequels?
