‘Hunger Games’ Theme Park Plan Confirmed By Lionsgate CEO

Following the wildly successful Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando in Florida, Lionsgate is planning to open a theme park dedicated to one of its blockbuster film franchises, “The Hunger Games.”

Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. (NYSE:LGF) CEO Jon Feltheimer has confirmed the studio’s decision to bring Suzanne Collins’s novel trilogy-turned-four-film franchise to life. “We’re deep in conversations with prospective partners on four continents to explore theme park attractions and other location-based entertainment opportunities,” Feltheimer told analysts during the company’s 2015 first-quarter earnings conference call last Friday.

While the park is still in the early planning stages, "Hunger Games" fans will be able to immerse themselves in the dystopian world of Panem when the saga’s traveling museum debuts next summer. Ahead of the release of the franchise's final installment “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay -- Part 2” in November 2015, Lionsgate, alongside Thinkwell Group, will launch a touring exhibit featuring costumes and props used in the Jennifer Lawrence-headed film.

“We’re committed to extending our brands into exciting new businesses that create opportunities for our fans to engage with our properties at the same time they deliver significant incremental financial benefits to Lionsgate,” said Lionsgate chief marketing officer Tim Palen, a hint at other ventures within the studio's family.

Lionsgate is also home to two other blockbuster young adult franchises, “The Twilight Saga,” which released its final installment in 2012, and the Shailene Woodley-led “Divergent” films, whose next installment, "Insurgent," premieres next March.

Feltheimer first teased the idea of possible “Hunger Games” park to analysts last November. “We have been approached in two different territories about potential theme park opportunities, which gives you a sense of the cultural impact of this franchise,” he said. “We are excited about those opportunities and are pursuing them.”

“The Hunger Games” franchise has grossed $832.6 million at the worldwide box office so far since its 2012 debut. "Catching Fire,” released last November, broke records, garnering $161.1 million in its debut weekend. The third installment, “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1,” premieres in theaters Nov. 21.