Although the first film of the potential
Hunger Games franchise, which is set to be released next March, has only recently started production, plans for sequels are already underway. Instead of doing two sequels - like in the book series - Lionsgate will expand it in a total of four films in the franchise, similar to counter parts
Harry Potter and
Twilight.
The Hollywood Reporter has the info here:
Convinced that it has the makings of a hit franchise, Lionsgate is planning to spin the three books in Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games trilogy into four feature films -- a la the extended film adaptations of the Twilight trilogy and the Harry Potter novels.
"The property is generating tremendous buzz and excitement, and it all points to a major Lionsgate franchise in the making," CEO Jon Feltheimer said during an analysts' call Wednesday.
The Hunger Games, the first film in the series, which is set in a post-apocalyptic world where teams of teens compete for their lives in an annual TV event, started production last week in North Carolina and is slated for release March 23.
The Hunger Games arrives in theaters March 23rd, 2012!