There Could Be Even More Hunger Games On The Way, Here’s How
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Ha, you thought that when the last movie, based on the last half of the last book, comes out, that would be the end for The Hunger Games, but you might be wrong. The first three movies have pulled in billions of dollars (billions with a b and an s), so you know that Lionsgate is sad to have to say goodbye to the lucrative franchise and are looking into every possible way to squeeze a few more dollars out of Suzanne Collins’ creation. And in the future that could very well come in the form of prequels and sequels.
There isn’t much in the way of detail, and this isn’t a concrete thing, just one avenue that the studio is exploring, but according to Deadline, Lionsgate CEO John Feltheimer said they are “actively looking at some development and thinking about prequel and sequel possibilities” in order to expand the franchise.
This comes attached to the news that The Hunger Games: Mockingjay—Part 2 will be digitally remastered for IMAX 3D, which is not the most exciting news. IMAX I’ll take, that could be pretty fun, especially the scenes where Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) and company invade the Capital of the dystopian world of Panem. 3D, however, just seems unnecessary and feels like a way to bilk you out of a few extra bucks at the box office.
While this initially elicited a groan, of course they’re going to try to pump out more movies, it does actually make sense, and there are some potentially interesting things they could do. In her trilogy of novels, Collins crafts a complete, functionally detailed world—that might actually be the franchise’s biggest strength—and we’re just sort of dropped in at a key moment.
Before there is Katniss and her generation, there are 73 Hunger Games and countless stories that could be told throughout the districts. Beyond that, it’s entirely possible that they could go back to the very beginning. We know that there was a vicious civil war that led to the formation of the current government, though there isn’t a ton known about that time. It might provide an intriguing backdrop to a new narrative. It could be entertaining to see District 13 rise up against the Capital.
As far as sequels are concerned, at the end of Mockingjay things have changed drastically (trying not to spoil anything for those of you who haven’t read the books), but all indications are that this will not be an easy, smooth transition. This sets the stage for future installments exploring what comes next for Panem and the new rulers. Will they be kind and just, or will they be similarly oppressive only with a better public face? Considering the ending, the books actually leave the door wide open for more.
You have to wonder, if Lionsgate does indeed churn out sequels and prequels, how much Collins will be involved. Will she write new books and they can base the movies on those, will she come up with ideas for new stories and write them as scripts? She did collaborate on the adaptations, so she has experience there. It’s also possible that she could be cut out of the process altogether.
Like I said earlier, this is just an idea, not even a solid plan, but it’s something to keep in mind. Are you down for more Hunger Games, or do you want to see them leave it be after the next movie? Mockingjay—Part 2 opens everywhere on November 20.
