“Francis Lawrence Signs First Look Deal with Lionsgate”

“The Hunger Games” franchise director Francis Lawrence has signed an initial production deal with Lionsgate through his company About:Blank.

Lawrence also signed on to direct and produce the next film in the Hunger Games series, Sunrise on the Reaping. The filmmaker is preparing to work on this project, which is based on a new prequel novel by author Suzanne Collins. “Sunrise on the Reaping” will go into production next year and its scheduled release date is November 20, 2026. Lawrence’s four “Hunger Games” films (“Catching Fire,” “Mockingjay,” Parts One and Two and “The Ballad of Last year’s Songbirds and Snakes) combined to generate nearly $3.7 billion in global ticket sales.

“Francis’ ability to combine incredibly compelling characters and emotions with exciting and soulful action and spectacle is extraordinary. “He is also a thoughtful and committed partner,” said Adam Fogelson, chairman of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, in announcing the agreement. “We are thrilled to deepen our relationship.”

In addition to the “Hunger Games” films, Lawrence and his About:Blank producing partner Cameron MacConomy recently completed production on Lionsgate’s “The Long Walk,” an adaptation of Stephen King’s novel starring Cooper Hoffman and David Jonsson.

“I am excited for the opportunity to make Lionsgate my home,” said Lawrence. “This studio has assembled a team of some of the smartest, most decent people I have ever worked with. We still have a lot to do with The Long Walk and Sunrise on the Reaping, and we have so much more in mind for the future. This deal gives Cameron and I the opportunity to develop and tell new stories that excite us, and there’s nowhere we’d rather be than at Lionsgate.”