"Hunger Games" Prequel Movie to Start Production in 2022

A prequel movie to the "Hunger Games" franchise is in early development at Lionsgate.

The studio is aiming to start production in the first half of 2022.

The movie is based on Suzanne Collins' book, "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes" and serves as an origin story to Coriolanus Snow and the Hunger Games event.

Lionsgate's chairman Joe Drake shared Thursday the update.

Drake noted that the movie is targeted for a late 2023 or early 2024 release date, adding that pre-production is “moving along really, really well".

The director of the previous Hunger Games movies, Francis Lawrence, will return to direct.

Moreover, Collins will write the movie's treatment, while Michael Arndt will adapt the screenplay.

Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson will serve as producers.