**The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping Set for 3D Theatrical Release**
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In a groundbreaking collaboration between Lionsgate and Meta, the eagerly anticipated prequel to The Hunger Games series, titled *Sunrise on the Reaping*, will be released in 3D in UK cinemas on November 20. This marks a significant first, as it is the first Hollywood feature film to be converted into 3D for its theatrical premiere.
Following its debut in theatres, audiences can look forward to experiencing *Sunrise on the Reaping* in 3D on Meta’s new virtual reality (VR) glasses, which are expected to launch in the spring of 2027. This partnership aims to provide fans with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the dystopian universe crafted by author Suzanne Collins, both on the big screen and from the comfort of their living rooms.
The new 3D version was specifically adapted by filmmaker Francis Lawrence, who has been at the helm of the last five entries in the franchise. This adaptation was achieved in close cooperation with DNEG, an Academy Award-winning visual effects and animation studio. Lawrence expressed his enthusiasm regarding the project, stating that the 3D format offers an innovative way to draw viewers into the narrative. The director commented, “From the beginning, we wanted *Sunrise on the Reaping* to feel visceral and immersive. Adapting the film for 3D gives us an additional creative tool to bring audiences even closer to Haymitch’s perspective”.
Joseph Zada takes on the role of teenage Haymitch Abernathy, while Mckenna Grace stars as Maysilee Donner in a film that takes place 24 years prior to the events of the original Hunger Games. This prequel will delve into the 50th Annual Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell, where the dynamics of this deadly competition are significantly altered from previous iterations.
The story kicks off on the day of the reaping when 16-year-old Haymitch is selected to compete, only to find himself facing an unprecedented challenge as the Second Quarter Quell features double the number of tributes. In a twist of fate, he teams up with Maysilee as they navigate the treacherous arena together, forging alliances in a bid to confront the Capitol’s oppressive regime under President Snow, portrayed by Ralph Fiennes.
Lionsgate’s Chief Revenue Officer, Jim Packer, also shared his enthusiasm for this pioneering partnership with Meta, believing it represents a new frontier for the franchise. “We’re thrilled to partner with Meta on this first-of-its-kind collaboration,” he remarked. “Francis Lawrence has created an incredible 3D experience for *Sunrise on the Reaping*, and we’re excited for audiences to experience it in theatres and on Meta VR Glasses. This is an exemplary instance of how technology can transform existing formats to create fresh, new experiences”.
As anticipation builds for the film’s release, more details about additional Lionsgate titles and the availability of content on the VR glasses are expected to be issued in the future.
The impressive cast of *Sunrise on the Reaping* also includes acclaimed actors such as Jesse Plemons, Glenn Close, Kieran Culkin, Elle Fanning, Maya Hawke, Whitney Peak, Kelvin Harrison Jr., and Ben Wang. The screenplay has been co-written by Billy Ray and Michael Lesslie, ensuring that the narrative retains the depth and engagement that fans of the series expect.
As we await the premiere on November 20, the evolution of The Hunger Games franchise into new formats signifies an exciting shift in how audiences can experience beloved stories. This collaboration between traditional film-making and emerging technologies not only showcases the potential for immersive storytelling but also ushers in a new era for cinematic experiences. Fans are eagerly counting down to a dual-reality experience that may change the way they interact with film in the years to come.