Meta and Lionsgate Team Up on 3D "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping" for Theaters and Meta VR Glasses

Lionsgate and Meta partnered to convert "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping" to 3D for its Nov. 20 theatrical release. The film is expected on Meta VR Glasses in 3D when the devices reach shelves in spring 2027. DNEG performed the conversion with director Francis Lawrence.

Lionsgate and Meta have unveiled a deal to bring a 3D-converted "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping" to Meta's VR glasses after a theatrical run. The film will be available in 3D when it opens in theaters on Nov. 20. Meta partnered with Lionsgate to convert the film to 3D ahead of that release.

Plans for Meta VR Glasses

Viewers will be able to watch the film in 3D on Meta VR Glasses starting in spring 2027, when the devices are expected to hit shelves. Meta partnered on the 3D conversion so the movie could eventually play on the glasses. The glasses feature a 5K Infinite Display, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos spatial audio, and they are Imax enhanced.

A first for Meta and Hollywood

The collaboration marks the first time Meta has partnered with a Hollywood studio to convert a feature film into 3D to support its theatrical release. Lionsgate chief revenue officer Jim Packer called it a first-of-its-kind collaboration. He also described it as a compelling example of how technology can transform existing formats to create fresh, new experiences. Additional Lionsgate titles and their availability will be announced at a later date.

The conversion and the filmmakers

DNEG performed the 3D conversion, which was already done ahead of the Nov. 20 release, in collaboration with director Francis Lawrence. Lawrence said adapting the film for 3D gave him another creative tool to bring audiences closer to Haymitch's perspective. He said he wanted the film to feel visceral and immersive, and he is excited for people to see it on the big screen and then on Meta's VR glasses. Joseph Zada stars as teenage Haymitch Abernathy.

Sarah Malkin, Meta's head of entertainment at Reality Labs, said the film will be phenomenal in theaters and also showcases what the technology makes possible at home. The Hunger Games franchise has generated more than $3.3 billion at the global box office across five films. The prequel will play in 3D on Meta VR glasses following its run in cinemas.