Meta Converts 'Sunrise on the Reaping' to 3D for Theaters and $1,299 Glasses

Meta has partnered with Lionsgate to convert "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping" into 3D ahead of its Nov. 20 theatrical release. The deal marks Meta's first 3D conversion collaboration with any studio, and the film will later run on the company's $1,299 VR glasses when they arrive in the spring.

By Daniel Okafor

It's a pairing that would have sounded like fan fiction a decade ago: a social media giant doing post-production work on a YA franchise prequel. Yet here we are. The conversion itself was handled with DNEG, the effects house that previously took "Dune: Part One," "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire" and "Venom" from flat 2D to stereoscopic 3D (a process that gives each eye a slightly different image, creating perceived depth).

What did the studios actually say?

Jim Packer, Lionsgate's chief revenue officer, framed the deal in two statements. He called it "a compelling example of how technology can transform existing formats to create fresh, new experiences," and added: "As we continue to explore new ways for audiences to experience 'The Hunger Games,' we're thrilled to partner with Meta on this first-of-its-kind collaboration."

Packer credited director Francis Lawrence with delivering the goods: "[Director] Francis Lawrence has created an incredible 3D experience for 'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping,' and we're excited for audiences to experience it in theaters and then on Meta VR Glasses."

Lawrence, for his part, said the format served the story rather than the other way around. The film follows Joseph Zada's Haymitch Abernathy — a younger version of the character Woody Harrelson originated — through the 50th edition of the Hunger Games. "From the beginning, we wanted 'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping' to feel visceral and immersive, pulling audiences deep into Haymitch's experience," Lawrence said. "I'm excited for people to see the film on the big screen and ultimately experience it in an entirely new way on Meta's VR glasses."

Where do the $1,299 glasses fit in?

Meta unveiled the device at its Meta Connect event in September. The company promised immersive versions of "Avengers: Infinity War" and "Star Wars: A New Hope," plus 3D editions of "The Avengers," "Black Panther" and select Lionsgate titles. "Sunrise on the Reaping" now joins that catalog as a day-one prestige offering — a franchise with roughly $3 billion in prior box office, now a launch title for eyewear.

Sarah Malkin, Meta's head of entertainment at Reality Labs, the division building its hardware and metaverse products, said the film represents "the kind of cinematic experience that will be phenomenal in theaters, and also showcases what this technology makes possible at home." She added: "We're delighted to work with Lionsgate and Francis Lawrence to bring the film in 3D to audiences around the world."

Why it matters

The deal signals a shift in how studios monetize a single title: theatrical 3D in November, headset exclusivity in spring. If the glasses sell, expect more studios to hand Meta their tentpoles for conversion. If they don't, Lionsgate still got a 3D release out of it. One party is clearly hedging more than the other.