Sunrise on Reaping' Bound for $60M Opening

Key Points:

• Lionsgate is expected to boost the Thanksgiving box office with the release of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, projected to open with at least $60 million domestically, potentially exceeding $70 million over the three-day weekend.
• The film, a prequel directed by Francis Lawrence, revisits the world of Panem 24 years before the original series, featuring younger versions of key characters and cameos from original stars Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson.
• Sunrise on the Reaping's trailer garnered 109 million views in its first 24 hours, making it the second most-watched Lionsgate trailer ever, signaling strong audience interest across demographics, especially women under 25.
• The Hunger Games franchise has sold over 100 million books worldwide and grossed more than $3.4 billion globally from five films; the new book tied to the film had the biggest debut in the series with 1.5 million copies sold in its first week.
• Despite strong projections, the film faces tough competition during a record-setting Thanksgiving box office period, with recent years' holiday weekends generating between $292.8 million and $424.9 million domestically.