The Hunger Games Is Getting A Prequel…

But where is Jennifer Lawrence?

The Hunger Games films officially ended the series this month with the release of the final film in the series The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part II… Or did it? Fans of the films and novels will be happy to hear that Lionsgate, the studio behind the massive series, have just announced that the world of Panem will ‘live on and on’, with plans already being discussed for future films set in post-apocalyptic America.

Can we get a hell yes?

Source: Gifatron.com

Vice Chairman Michael Burns of Lionsgate surprised attendees at a conference in New York this week, explaining that Suzanne Collins’ novels were of profound importance to the studio, after the series has earned over $2 billion at the box office.

Unfortunately, the chances of seeing Jennifer Lawrence again are slim, with Burns admitting that future films would likely be set before Katniss was even born. Although Part II of Mockingjay and I were important endings to Katniss’ story, Burns explained that ‘the one thing that kids missed was there was no arenas. If we went backwards there obviously would be arenas.’

When asked to comment on this news at the premiere of her latest film Joy, Lawrence told Variety: 'I wouldn’t be involved... I think it’s too soon. They’ve got to let the body get cold, in my opinion.' So that's pretty unequivocal confirmation that Lawrence won't be part of the prequel.

With Mockingjay ending Katniss' story and the Hunger Games for good, it looks likely then that Lionsgate will be looking towards previous Hunger Games for their inspiration. And considering author Suzanne Collins started the book series at the 74th Hunger Games, there is a lot of material for the filmmakers to work with.

And while we’ll miss seeing J-Law as badass Katniss Everdeen, we can’t help but be excited to see how the prequels adapt the stories of Hunger Games winners.

Sam Claflin's Finnick Odair and Woody Harrelson's Haymitch both have cinematic arena war stories, so excuse us while we start fan casting the prequels right away...