The Hunger Gamesfranchise will make its way to London’s West End next year, with a stage play adaptation of the first book of Suzanne Collins' acclaimed trilogy.
Published in 2008, the first book in the saga was a resounding success, something replicated by the sequelsCatching Fire(2009) andMockingjay(2010). Two years later, the film adaptation was release and the rest is history. Series likeDivergent,The 5th WaveorMaze Runnertried to repeat the phenomenon, and although the story created by James Dashner came close,the impact ofThe Hunger Gameswas impossible to replicate.
In large part, the success of the franchise rested on its protagonist. Katniss Everdeen became one of the most significant film heroines in history, and the possibility of playing her opened the doors for Jennifer Lawrence to become one of the most popular actresses in Hollywood. As fans prepare to learn more about the history of Panem withthe release ofBallad of Songbirds and Snakes, the next movie in the saga based on the prequel novel published in 2020, a new adaptation of the first book is in development.
Deadlinebroke the news on Tuesday that Award-winning playwright Conor McPherson is bringingThe Hunger Gamesto London West End in 2024, by adapting the first installment in Collins story to turn it into a stage play. McPherson recently worked on the film adaptation ofArtemis Fowl for Disney+, and while his career in Hollywood is filled with great titles, he has always stood out in the world of theater, working in plays likeThis Lime Tree Bower,Poor Beast in the Rain, andGirl from the North Country.
Here’s the official statement from Suzanne Collins, expressing her excitement for her story being adapted once again:
“I’m very excited to be collaborating with the amazing team of Conor McPherson and Matthew Dunster as they bring their dynamic and innovative interpretation of The Hunger Games to the London stage.”
Rachel Zegler Sings The Hanging Tree in The Hunger Games: Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes Video
Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes star Rachel Zegler sings iconic Hunger Games song The Hanging Tree for upcoming prequel movie.
The Hunger Games Franchise Is Being Clever About Its Future
While many other sagas just as successful asThe Hunger Gamesare looking to replicate the success they had in the past or duplicate it with new adaptations of the same material, such asHarry Potter,Twilight,Percy JacksonorThe Narnia Chronicles, Collins' franchise is taking a different and unexpected path.
WhenThe Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2premiered in 2015, fans began to speculate that the franchise would expand by focusing on characters like Finnick Odair and Haymitch Abernathy, showing past editions of the Hunger Games, with stories that would provide greater depth to the heroes of the main story. However, the author decided not only to delve into a key character within her story such as President Coriolanus Snow, she also sought to contribute moreabout the mythology of Panem, the creation of the Hunger Games and how the event changed in the 75 years it was celebrated.
And while it might have been easier to explore the stories that audiences were asking for, or even for Lionsgate to announce a series adaptation of the same story, the decision to differentiate itself from the rest of the similar franchises could giveThe Hunger Gamesa great advantage. And although the stage play will be based on the first book, it is a type of adaptation that is different enough not to affect the results of the films and avoid comparisons.
