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‘Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping’ To Play On Meta VR Glasses Post Theatrical; Lionsgate Teams With Mark Zuckerberg Corp On Pic’s 3D Conversion
Meta is partnering with Lionsgate to bring *The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping* to its VR glasses in 3D after the film’s theatrical run. The deal marks Meta’s first partnership with a Hollywood studio to convert a film into 3D, extending the film’s release beyond cinemas.
The Francis Lawrence-directed prequel, converted to 3D with visual effects studio DNEG, opens in cinemas on 20 November and is expected to take $60 million to $70 million in North America on its opening weekend. It is scheduled to arrive on Meta VR glasses in spring 2027; the glasses offer a 5K display and Dolby Vision and Atmos. The five *Hunger Games* films have earned more than $3.3 billion worldwide.
In short
- Meta and Lionsgate are bringing the prequel to VR in 3D.
- The cinema release is set for 20 November.
- The VR debut is planned for spring 2027.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Bringing the film to VR glasses could give audiences a more immersive way to experience its 3D visuals and extend its life beyond cinemas. The partnership may also help studios reach viewers who value at-home convenience, while testing whether premium VR viewing can open a useful new distribution channel for films.
The case against
A VR release could encourage more viewing on personal devices, potentially drawing some audiences away from cinemas and weakening the shared big-screen experience. Viewers would also need compatible, potentially costly equipment, so the format may offer limited access compared with ordinary home viewing.
Explained simply
The Hunger Games is a film series based on novels by Suzanne Collins, set in a future society where young people are made to compete in a televised fight. Sunrise on the Reaping is a prequel, telling a story set before the events of the earlier films. Francis Lawrence is directing it, and visual effects studio DNEG is handling its 3D conversion.
Lionsgate is the studio behind the film, while Meta makes the VR glasses it is due to appear on. The partnership extends the film’s release beyond cinemas and brings a Hollywood studio film to Meta’s glasses in 3D. The wider series has earned more than $3.3 billion worldwide, making the deal part of a large franchise.
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