The stage production of The Hunger Games is well underway and has announced a debut for autumn of 2024. The internationally acclaimed book series “The Hunger Games” had a rapid success after the first book in the four part series was published back in 2008 with a film adaptation that was released in 2012.
Since the initial film released just over a decade ago, the franchise has since grossed $2.9 Billion worldwide. So it is no surprise to see a stage adaptation finally coming to fruition. The announcement came just in time for the next movie in the series to also be released later this year in cinemas. The books were written by Suzanne Collins, who published the latest book in The Hunger Games series back in 2020.
Set in a dystopian future, The Hunger Games are a form of entertainment for the rich and powerful where 24 young ‘tributes’ compete to the death on live television, where only one can come out alive. The character of Katniss, originally portrayed by Jennifer Lawerence in the films, replaces her younger sister in the games by volunteering to take her place and finds herself trying to survive more than just The Hunger Games. She quickly becomes the symbol of rebellion. Reportedly, all of this will remain true in The Hunger Games on stage late next year.
Although not much information has been released publicly about the stage adaptation of The Hunger Games, it is set to debut in London, England. The stage adaptation will also only be solely about the first story in the series, leaving the franchise open to potentially market other ideas such as immersive experiences, or even a movie-musical remake of the films.
Connor McPherson, a multi-award winning playwright, will be joined by director Matthew Dunster to bring The Hunger Games to the stage. Connor McPherson said:
“To receive Suzanne Collins’ blessing to adapt The Hunger Games for the stage is both humbling and inspiring. She has created a classic story which continues to resonate now more than ever. In a world where the truth itself seems increasingly up for grabs, The Hunger Games beautifully expresses values of resilience, self-reliance, and independent moral inquiry for younger people especially. This is turbo-charged storytelling of the highest order, and I’m hugely excited to bring it to a new generation of theatregoers and to Suzanne Collins’ longstanding and devoted fans.”
However The Hunger Games on stage turn out, hopefully there will be just as much showmanship as Caesar Flickerman. Either way, may the odds be ever in their favour.