Meta Partners With Lionsgate to Bring 'Sunrise on the Reaping' to 3D and Upcoming VR Glasses
Meta and Lionsgate are teaming up to convert 'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping' into 3D, marking Meta's first studio collaboration for a film conversion ahead of its November release.
Published 2 November 2026
The Partnership Announcement
Meta is collaborating with Lionsgate to adapt The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping for 3D screens and Meta's upcoming virtual reality headset. This initiative represents Meta's initial venture into partnering directly with a major motion picture studio for a 3D format conversion.
The theatrical release for the film is scheduled for November 20. Alongside its cinema run, the 3D rendition is planned to arrive on Meta's new virtual reality glasses in the spring.
Collaborating With DNEG
The conversion process relies on the expertise of visual effects studio DNEG. The company has previously transformed several high-profile feature films from standard two dimensions into three dimensions.
Among DNEG's past conversion credits are well-known blockbusters such as Dune: Part One, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, and Venom.
Studio and Executive Perspectives
Jim Packer, who serves as the chief revenue officer at Lionsgate, described the initiative as a compelling demonstration of technology altering traditional formats. He emphasized that the partnership opens up fresh experiences for audiences engaging with the franchise.
Director Francis Lawrence noted that the 3D adaptation aims to deliver a visceral and immersive atmosphere. Lawrence pointed out that the format provides viewers with an alternative way to follow the journey of the character Haymitch Abernathy.
Focus on Haymitch Abernathy
The narrative of the film centers on a younger incarnation of Haymitch Abernathy, originally portrayed by Woody Harrelson in previous installments. In this feature, the younger version is played by actor Joseph Zada.
Audience members follow the protagonist through the events of the 50th edition of the Hunger Games. The creative team designed the 3D visual approach specifically to pull viewers deeper into that specific character experience.
Meta's Reality Labs Strategy
Meta initially showcased its new virtual reality glasses during the Meta Connect event held in September. The hardware carries a retail price point of $1,299.
Sarah Malkin, who leads entertainment for Meta's Reality Labs division, stated that the project demonstrates what the technology can achieve both in traditional theaters and within home environments.
Broader Virtual Reality Plans
During the September Meta Connect presentation, the technology company outlined plans for several other immersive cinematic titles. Promised projects included immersive versions of Avengers: Infinity War and Star Wars: A New Hope.
Additionally, the hardware lineup was slated to support 3D editions of The Avengers, Black Panther, and a selection of other titles from Lionsgate.
News Overview
Meta and Lionsgate are collaborating to release a 3D version of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping in theaters this November and on Meta's upcoming $1,299 VR glasses in the spring. The conversion was handled by DNEG and overseen by director Francis Lawrence to provide an immersive experience focusing on the younger Haymitch Abernathy played by Joseph Zada.
Key facts
- The partnership was announced on Nov 2, 2026.
- The film Sunrise on the Reaping releases on Nov. 20.
- Meta's VR glasses are priced at $1,299 and release in the spring.
- Francis Lawrence is the director of the film.
- Joseph Zada plays Haymitch Abernathy, a younger version of the character originated by Woody Harrelson.
- The story is set during the 50th edition of the Hunger Games.
- DNEG previously converted Dune: Part One, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, and Venom.
- Meta unveiled the VR glasses at Meta Connect in September.