Tag: Francis Lawrence

THE HUNGER GAMES: SUNRISE ON THE REAPING Coming To Theaters November 2026

Lionsgate will return to the world of Panem with the major motion picture adaptation of the next book in the franchise, Suzanne Collins’s highly anticipated Hunger Games novel Sunrise on the Reaping, it was announced today by Adam Fogelson, chair of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group.

Franchise producer Nina Jacobson, alongside her producing partner Brad Simpson, will return to produce The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping under their Color Force banner. It will be the sixth outing for Color Force since bringing the franchise to Lionsgate in 2012. Francis Lawrence is in talks to direct the film; Lawrence has helmed four previous films in the Hunger Games franchise – every film since Catching Fire.

The film will be released in theaters in North America beginning on November 20, 2026.

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping will revisit the world of Panem 24 years before the events of The Hunger Games, starting on the morning of the reaping of the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell. One of the most eagerly awaited publishing events of the year, Sunrise on the Reaping will be published by Scholastic simultaneously in print, digital, and audio formats in the US, Canada, the UK and Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand on March 18, 2025.

There are more than 100 million copies of all four books in The Hunger Games series in print and digital formats worldwide, and foreign publishing rights have been sold in 54 languages. Lionsgate has adapted these best-selling books into five feature films that have collectively grossed more than $3.3 billion at the worldwide box office and boasted star-studded casts including Academy Award® winner Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Academy Award® nominee Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Lenny Kravitz, Stanley Tucci, Donald Sutherland, Rachel Zegler, Tom Blyth, Viola Davis, Jason Schwartzman, and Peter Dinklage.

The world of The Hunger Games that Suzanne Collins created continues to grow around the globe as theme park attractions, experiences, and live events, including The World of the Hunger Games at the Motiongate Dubai theme park and a major stage production set to debut in London from Olivier Award-winning playwright Conor McPherson (“Girl from the North Country”) and directed by Matthew Dunster (“2:22—A Ghost Story,” “Hangmen,” “The Pillowman”).

“Suzanne Collins is a master storyteller and our creative north star,” said Fogelson. “We couldn’t be more fortunate than to be guided and trusted by a collaborator whose talent and imagination are so consistently brilliant. We know Hunger Games fans worldwide will be spellbound by where Suzanne has focused this next extraordinary story. The Second Quarter Quell is legendary and looms large over the history of the Games, even into the time of Katniss Everdeen a quarter-century later. Like fans around the globe, we are eagerly anticipating this exciting return to Panem.”

“From the beginning, Lionsgate has been a wonderful home and partner for the Hunger Games franchise, and I’m very excited to be collaborating with Adam and the team as we bring this next story to theaters in 2026,” said Suzanne Collins.

Meredith Wieck and Scott O’Brien will oversee the production on behalf of the studio. Patricia Laucella and Phil Strina oversaw the rights for the book for Lionsgate. Collins was represented by Jason Dravis from The Dravis Agency and Diane Golden and Sarah Lerner from the law firm Katz Golden Lerner LLP.

THE HUNGER GAMES: THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS AND SNAKES First Teaser – In Theaters November 17, 2023

On November 17, 2023, get ready to return to the games.

Lionsgate has released a first teaser for director Francis Lawrence’s THE HUNGER GAMES: THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS AND SNAKES.

Synopsis: Return to The Hunger Games, the landmark film franchise that has earned over $3 billion globally, with Lionsgate’s adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ #1 New York Times Bestseller The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.

Years before he would become the tyrannical President of Panem, 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow (Tom Blyth) is the last hope for his fading lineage, a once-proud family that has fallen from grace in a post-war Capitol. With the 10th annual Hunger Games fast approaching, the young Snow is alarmed when he is assigned to mentor Lucy Gray Baird (Rachel Zegler), the girl tribute from impoverished District 12. But, after Lucy Gray commands all of Panem’s attention by defiantly singing during the reaping ceremony, Snow thinks he might be able to turn the odds in their favor. Uniting their instincts for showmanship and newfound political savvy, Snow and Lucy Gray’s race against time to survive will ultimately reveal who is a songbird, and who is a snake.                               

The screenplay for THE HUNGER GAMES: THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS AND SNAKES is by Michael Arndt and Michael Lesslie, Based on the Novel by Suzanne Collins. Produced by Nina Jacobson, Brad Simpson, Francis Lawrence.               

The Hunger Games Collection Arrives March 22nd on 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray and Digital SteelBook

“May the odds be ever in your favor.”

The blockbuster phenomenon The Hunger Games  saga arrives March 22 on 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital SteelBook from Lionsgate, exclusively at Best Buy.

The Collection features artwork from top artists Flore Maquin, Ise Ananphada, Alice X. Zhang, Tula Lotay, Paige Reynolds, Aracely Muñoz, Gemma O’Brien, Lauren Hom, Meni Chatzipanagiotou and Gia Graham. Starring Oscar winner Jennifer Lawrence (2012, Actress in a Leading Role, Silver Linings Playbook), the Collection includes all four films: The Hunger Games, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 1 and The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 2.  The Hunger Games Collection will be available on 4K Ultra HD™ + Blu-ray™ + Digital SteelBook for the suggested retail price of $119.99. 

THE HUNGER GAMES
Every year in the ruins of what was once North America, the Capitol of the nation of Panem forces each of its twelve districts to send a teenage boy and girl to compete in the Hunger Games. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen volunteers in her younger sister’s place and must rely upon her sharp instincts when she’s pitted against highly trained Tributes who have prepared their entire lives. If she’s ever to return home to District 12, Katniss must make impossible choices in the arena that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.
 


THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE
Academy Award® winner Jennifer Lawrence (2012, Actress in a Leading Role, Silver Linings Playbook)  returns as Katniss Everdeen in this thrilling second adventure from The Hunger Games saga. Against all odds, Katniss and fellow tribute Peeta have returned home after surviving the Hunger Games. Winning means they must leave loved ones behind and embark on a Victory Tour through the districts. Along the way, Katniss senses a rebellion simmering – one that she and Peeta may have sparked. At the end of the tour, President Snow announces a deadly 75th Hunger Games that could change Panem forever.
 


THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY — PART 1
Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived. She awakens from the cruel and haunting Quarter Quell deep inside the bunkered catacombs of District 13. Separated from some of her closest allies and fearing for their safety in the Capitol, Katniss finally agrees to be the Mockingjay, the symbolic leader of the rebellion. Still uncertain as to whom she can trust, Katniss must help 13 rise from the shadows, all the while knowing that President Snow has focused his hatred into a personal vendetta against her—and her loved ones.

 
THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY — PART 2
One of the most celebrated movie series of all time comes to its thrilling conclusion in the last chapter of The Hunger Games. Jennifer Lawrence stars as Katniss Everdeen, who began her journey fighting to survive the brutal Hunger Games, and rose to lead the rebellion against Panem’s tyrannical president (Donald Sutherland). Now, Katniss and a team of rebels from District 13 prepare for the final epic battle that will decide Panem’s future.


4K ULTRA HD / BLU-RAY SPECIAL FEATURE

  • THE HUNGER GAMES
    • Audio Commentary with Editor Stephen Mirrione, Visual Effects Supervisor Sheena Duggal, and Supervising Sound Editor Lon Bender
    • Game Maker: Suzanne Collins and The Hunger Games Phenomenon
    • The World Is Watching: Making The Hunger Games
    • Letters from the Rose Garden
  • THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE
    • Audio Commentary with Director Francis Lawrence and Producer Nina Jacobson
    • “Surviving the Game: Making The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” Documentary
    • Deleted Scenes
  • THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY — PART 1
    • Audio Commentary with Director Francis Lawrence and Producer Nina Jacobson
    • “The Mockingjay Lives: The Making of MJ1” Documentary
    • Straight from the Heart: A Tribute to Philip Seymour Hoffman
    • Songs of Rebellion: Lorde on Curating the Soundtrack
    • Lorde “Yellow Flicker Beat” Music Video
    • Deleted Scenes
  • THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY — PART 2
    • “Pawns No More: Making The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 2” — An 8-Part Documentary with an in-Depth Look at All Aspects of the Making of the Final Movie Including the Acting Ensemble, Visual and Costume Design, Special Effects, Post-Production, and More!
    • The Hunger Games: A Photographic Journey
    • Cinna’s Sketchbook: Secrets of the Mockingjay Armor
    • Panem on Display: The Hunger Games: The Exhibition
    • Jet to the Set (Blu-ray Only)
    • Audio Commentary with Director Francis Lawrence and Producer Nina Jacobson

 
CAST
Jennifer Lawrence                  Oscar® winner for Silver Linings Playbook, X-Men trilogy 
Josh Hutcherson                     TV’s “Ultraman,” TV’s “Future Man”
Liam Hemsworth                     Independence Day: Resurgence, Isn’t It Romantic 
Woody Harrelson                    Venom: Let There Be Carnage, Midway 
Elizabeth Banks                      Pitch Perfect franchise, TV’s “Mrs. America” 
Julianne Moore                       Crazy, Stupid, Love., The Kids Are All Right  
with Stanley Tucci                  Spotlight, Transformers: Age of Extinction 
and Donald Sutherland           The Italian Job, TV’s “Crossing Lines” 

CONSTANTINE’s Keanu Reeves, Director Francis Lawrence, Producer Akiva Goldsman Discuss Film At Comic-Con@Home Panel

“There’s no use sitting on the bench if you’re not ready to play, right?” – Chas Kramer (Shia LaBeouf) CONSTANTINE.

The film CONSTANTINE is celebrating the 15th anniversary of it’s release. Based on the ground-breaking DC/Vertigo comic book “Hellblazer,” Keanu Reeves plays John Constantine, a modern-day mystic on a personal quest to send demons hiding on Earth back to Hell. The character of John Constantine was introduced by comic book writer/creator Alan Moore while writing the Swamp Thing, first appearing there in June 1985.

The movie also starred Shia La Beouf, Tilda Swinton, Rachel Weisz, Djimon Hounsou and Peter Stormare. Opening in the U.S. on February 18, 2005 and ending its theatrical run on June 16, 2005, the film took in $76 million.

On Saturday, Keanu Reeves, director Francis Lawrence, and producer Akiva Goldsman reunited to reflect on the making of the 2005 DC Comics adaptation. The Comic-con At Home panel was moderated by Collider’s editor-in-chief Steven Weintraub.

For fans of the film (me included), it was a terrific discussion with some great questions.

Some of the highlights of the 45 minutes panel:

They talked about the rating of the film, the gun prop that Keanu gave to Francis after the film, shooting in Los Angeles, the cool cast and their love of the film, plus Reeve’s funny answer about giving him blonde hair and a British accent like in the comics.

The biggest highlight was the discussion about the after credit scene, which as moderator Weintraub mentions “wasn’t the norm at the time,” and how they went and filmed it afterwards to add it to the end of the movie and a possible sequel.

Check out these deleted scenes from the special features of “Constantine”

RED SPARROW – Review

Sparrows are said to be social creatures. They live in colonies, flocks with others. In addition, sparrows are primarily carnivorous by nature i.e. they are meat eaters. While novelist Jason Matthews, a former Central Intelligence Agency operative, came up with the title RED SPARROW, it’s director Francis Lawrence who seems to be taking the most joy in connecting the “social” interactions and carnivorous aspects of the bird to the lead of the story. 

There are times where the body can be a platform for that which is beautiful and grotesque. This can most notably be seen in the films of David Cronenberg. Lawrence and cinematographer Jo Willems (who worked together on the last few HUNGER GAMES films) begin by presenting this theme in Grand Guignol fashion with a beautifully staged turned tragically horrific ballet. And that’s just the beginning, just you wait. From there, the story frequently portrays the body as both seductive and as a piece of meat that you can slice, beat, and break down so that it’s as tender as the butcher would like it.

The Sparrows (supposedly based on a real organization) are a specially trained class of young Russian Intelligence agents who are taught to use their body as a weapon – in more ways than one if you catch my drift. They mix seamlessly among the masses, just like the patterns of the bird of the same name. From there, they can draw a person in close and feed when necessary. Not literally feed, but get what they want from their prey so that they can then fly back to the nest with the intel from their mission.

Dominika (Jennifer Lawrence) is the Russian’s newest recruit. After she’s forced into the academy out of financial necessity to care for her ailing mother and by a little bit of coercion from her uncle, she becomes involved in a case revolving around a Russian double agent and American CIA operative, Nate Nash (Joel Edgerton).

If this sounds a bit like a John le Carré novel, you wouldn’t be totally off base. Unlike that writer’s panache for making even the dullest of government paper-pushers somewhat intriguing, Justin Haythe’s screenplay fails to lend any sense of intrigue or emotion to what should be fascinating characters. Every pawn in this often laborious chess match comes off as cold and wooden, leading to a rather one-note mood. That is until you’re suddenly jolted to life by abrasive and graphic imagery.

The first hour is very sensational and quite risqué in parts, especially given such a high-profile actress in the lead. The last half doesn’t quite have the same punch as it slips into a steady rhythm. While I wasn’t clutching my pearls, the brutal violence involving wires and knives as well as the shocking nudity and depictions of sexual assault (there is more than one instance of this) will leave some wishing for more spy drama escapism.

If you can accept the brutal reality of this world, RED SPARROW is actually very artfully done. The cinematography is absolutely captivating and James Newton Howard’s score is quite beautiful as a moody set of pieces that properly completes the puzzle. Fans of espionage tales will eat up the scenery and the globe-trotting exploits. But once again, all of these compliments reflect the surface level of the film.

Like many previous cinematic assassins who carry a burden or weight so too does Dominika. Her ailing mother is presented as the catalyst for taking on her new profession. While Lawrence’s fearless performance is admirable, she’s stuck with portraying a character that seems almost too in control of her emotions. RED SPARROW is structured and wound up so tightly around this idea of power and control in intimate situations, and in the process, it has pushed the audience away by focusing only on the body and not allowing us to explore what’s going on inside.

 

Overall score: 3 out of 5

RED SPARROW opens in theaters March 2nd

 

Watch The First Trailer For RED SPARROW Starring Jennifer Lawrence

Jennifer Lawrence is starring alongside “javier bardem, ed harris and michelle pfeiffer in mother!, directed by darren aronofsky.” Due in theaters this Friday, it has been called “one of the most audacious and flat-out bizarre movies that a major studio has released in years.” (review)

Lawrence can next be seen in 20th Century Fox’s upcoming spy thriller RED SPARROW.

Directed by Francis Lawrence and starring Jennifer Lawrence, Joel Edgerton, Matthias Schoenaerts, Charlotte Rampling, Mary-Louise Parker and Jeremy Irons, the film hits theaters March 2nd, 2018.

Dominika Egorova is many things.
A devoted daughter determined to protect her mother at all costs.
A prima ballerina whose ferocity has pushed her body and mind to the absolute limit.
A master of seductive and manipulative combat.

When she suffers a career-ending injury, Dominika and her mother are facing a bleak and uncertain future. That is why she finds herself manipulated into becoming the newest recruit for Sparrow School, a secret intelligence service that trains exceptional young people like her to use their bodies and minds as weapons. After enduring the perverse and sadistic training process, she emerges as the most dangerous Sparrow the program has ever produced. Dominika must now reconcile the person she was with the power she now commands, with her own life and everyone she cares about at risk, including an American CIA agent who tries to convince her he is the only person she can trust.

Visit the official site: foxmovies.com/movies/red-sparrow

THE HUNGER GAMES : MOCKINGJAY PART 2 – The Review

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Katniss returns to face her oppressors in the final installment of THE HUNGER GAMES franchise, but does it pack the same punch as the first three? You know it does!

Panem is in the midst of war, and Katniss is preparing to take President Snow (Donald Sutherland) out. On a mission as ‘the face’ of the war, she and her team of friends, Gale (Liam Hemsworth), Finnick (Sam Claflin) and Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) continue try to liberate the citizens throughout the districts. Although they are out of the games, they face greater dangers than they ever have. This time, the entire nation depends on it.

The tone of this film is much different from the previous films. It’s serious, sure, but there are a couple of new surprises. Director Francis Lawrence leaned more on CGI for some of the dangerous beings in this film, and I found that there were a bunch of jump scares. I don’t recall any of the other films making me jerk out of my chair. It makes sense for this film to be a bit darker in tone, seeing as how the entire country is at war, and part of the film is shot inside underground pipes, but the changes definitely stick out.

The cast is incredible, as usual, in these films. Lawrence, however, is even more dynamic in her final portrayal of Katniss than I thought possible. It’s incredible to see her character grow, and Lawrence does a fantastic job of showing her evolution, both internally and externally.

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It takes a bit for the film to perk up, and move into the battle scenes. If you’re expecting all out war, you’re going to have to wait a bit. Keep in mind that this film is over two hours. They can’t just dive into the meat and potatoes! Have some appetizers first.

If you’ve read the books, you are already familiar as to how the story ends. This is the same for the film. Although I enjoyed the ending, I didn’t find it satisfying… and that’s ok. I sort of like the way they slowly tied things up. Not to spoil anything (which means, if you don’t want to risk learning new information, stop reading), but there isn’t a giant triumph of victory. It just, kind of, happens. Afterwards, she slowly goes back to her old life. I enjoy that. What do we expect? A huge victory, and then a picture perfect life of spoils? This ending is a true Katniss ending. It’s humble, and it gives the audience more to grasp onto.

Let’s face it… You’re going to go see this film, and you should! You’ll be happy you did, and may the odds be ever in your favor!

OVERALL RATING: 4.75 out of 5 stars

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WAMG At THE HUNGER GAMES : MOCKINGJAY – PART 2 Press Day (Video)

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The blockbuster Hunger Games franchise has taken audiences by storm around the world, grossing more than $2.2 billion at the global box office. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 now brings the franchise to its powerful final chapter in which Katniss Everdeen [Jennifer Lawrence] realizes the stakes are no longer just for survival – they are for the future.

Recently, Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutchinson, Liam Hemsworth, Francis Lawrence, and Nina Jacobson sat down with a small room of press in Hollywood to talk about the film. Check out part of the press conference below!

With the nation of Panem in a full scale war, Katniss confronts President Snow [Donald Sutherland] in the final showdown. Teamed with a group of her closest friends – including Gale [Liam Hemsworth], Finnick [Sam Claflin] and Peeta [Josh Hutcherson] – Katniss goes off on a mission with the unit from District 13 as they risk their lives to liberate the citizens of Panem, and stage an assassination attempt on President Snow who has become increasingly obsessed with destroying her.  The mortal traps, enemies, and moral choices that await Katniss will challenge her more than any arena she faced in The Hunger Games.

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The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 is directed by Francis Lawrence from a screenplay by Peter Craig and Danny Strong, from an adaptation by Suzanne Collins, and features an acclaimed cast including Academy Award®-winner Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Academy Award®-winner Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jeffrey Wright, Willow Shields, Sam Claflin, Jena Malone, with Stanley Tucci and Donald Sutherland reprising their original roles from The Hunger Games and The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. The impressive lineup is joined by The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 co-stars Academy Award®-winner Julianne Moore, Mahershala Ali, Natalie Dormer, Wes Chatham, Elden Henson and Evan Ross.

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Visit the film’s official site: www.thehungergames.movie

THE HUNGER GAMES : MOCKINGJAY – PART 2 is in theaters November 20

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New “Epic Finale” TV Spot Released For THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY – PART 2

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“This is the end”

Her story has captivated the world. Now, join Katniss Everdeen [Jennifer Lawrence] in the Epic Finale of The Hunger Games franchise, THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY – PART 2. This new TV spot, which debuted exclusively in Game 1 of the World Series, takes a look back at her journey as she prepares to take down The Capitol.

From director Francis Lawrence, the film brings the franchise to its powerful final chapter in which Katniss realizes the stakes are no longer just for survival – they are for the future.

With the nation of Panem in a full scale war, Katniss confronts President Snow in the final showdown. Teamed with a group of her closest friends – including Gale, Finnick and Peeta – Katniss goes off on a mission with the unit from District 13 as they risk their lives to liberate the citizens of Panem, and stage an assassination attempt on President Snow who has become increasingly obsessed with destroying her. The mortal traps, enemies, and moral choices that await Katniss will challenge her more than any arena she faced in The Hunger Games.

The cast includes Academy Award-winner Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Academy Award-winner Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jeffrey Wright, Willow Shields, Sam Claflin, Jena Malone with Stanley Tucci and Donald Sutherland reprising their original roles from THE HUNGER GAMES and THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE.

They are joined by The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 co-stars Academy Award-winner Julianne Moore, Mahershala Ali, Natalie Dormer, Wes Chatham, Elden Henson and Evan Ross.

THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY – PART 2 opens in theaters on November 20, tickets on sale here.

Visit the film’s official site: www.thehungergames.movie

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Watch The Exciting New HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY – PART 2 Trailer

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Here’s your first look at the trailer that premiered at Comic Con for the final installment of the epic HUNGER GAMES series – THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY – PART 2.

The film stars Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Julianne Moore, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jeffrey Wright, Willow Shields, Sam Claflin, Jena Malone, Natalie Dormer, with Stanley Tucci, and Donald Sutherland.

The blockbuster Hunger Games franchise has taken audiences by storm around the world, grossing more than $2.2 billion at the global box office. THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY – PART 2 now brings the franchise to its powerful final chapter in which Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) realizes the stakes are no longer just for survival – they are for the future.

With the nation of Panem in a full scale war, Katniss confronts President Snow (Donald Sutherland) in the final showdown.

Teamed with a group of her closest friends – including Gale (Liam Hemsworth), Finnick (Sam Claflin) and Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) – Katniss goes off on a mission with the unit from District 13 as they risk their lives to liberate the citizens of Panem, and stage an assassination attempt on President Snow who has become increasingly obsessed with destroying her. The mortal traps, enemies, and moral choices that await Katniss will challenge her more than any arena she faced in The Hunger Games.

THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY – PART 2 is directed by Francis Lawrence from a screenplay by Peter Craig and Danny Strong.

THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY – PART 2
Opens In Theaters November 20

http://www.thehungergamesofficial.com/
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Photo Credit: Murray Close/Lionsgate

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