Filming has not yet begun for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the harvesting, but the next prequel is already setting high expectations with one of the highest budgets of the franchise to date. Returning to the world of Suzanne Collins’ dystopic novels, the 2026 film will adapt events from the 2025 novel, focusing on Haymith Abernathy during the second quarter of the Hunger Games. The movie will feature Joseph Zada, Whitney Peak, McKenna Grace, and Jessie Plemons.
According to a report from Deadline, the potential sale of Dawn in the Harvest at the Cannes Film Festival indicates that the prequel may receive one of the highest budgets in the franchise’s history, ranging between $150 million and $200 million. This surpasses the previous record held by 2015’s The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 with a budget of $160 million.
What the Budget of Sunrise on the Harvest Means for the Hunger Games Franchise
The Series’ Successful Return
The estimated budget for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Harvest is a testament to the confidence in the franchise’s appeal to audiences. While Mockingjay – Part 2 had the highest budget of the main series, it did not perform as well at the box office compared to previous films. In contrast, the 2023 release of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes with a $100 million budget showed that there is still a strong interest in the world of Collins’ novels.
Additionally, the success of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes with a gross total of $349 million demonstrates the enduring popularity of the franchise and its ability to attract both old and new fans. The higher budget for Dawn in the Harvest not only reflects potential production costs but also signals that Hollywood studios see it as a lucrative investment.
Such high expectations justify the higher budget to fully capture the scope of the Hunger Games.
On the other hand, the significant budget allocated to the next prequel is also a result of the scale of the Quarter Quell storyline, requiring investments in production design, VFX, and costumes. Haymitch’s story, considered a fan-favorite, adds to the anticipation for the film’s release.
Our Thoughts on the Record-Breaking Budget of Sunrise on the Harvest
The Second Quarter Quell’s Tale Receives a Larger Push
With filming yet to begin and casting decisions pending, there is much to look forward to in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Harvest. The substantial budget reflects studios’ confidence in the franchise’s longevity and potential for success. A higher budget will undoubtedly enhance the cinematic experience and propel the franchise forward.
Source: Deadline
