This fall's conclusion to the Hunger Games movie series (Mockingjay - Part 2, in theaters November 20) will not be the last we see of Panem. Not only are there likely to be spin-off films in the future, but according to the New York Times, Lionsgate is also looking to turn its hit franchise based on the books by Suzanne Collins into theme park attractions.
The studio actually has a few properties in mind for amusement park rides and live shows. Here's all you need to know:
Can they really turn the dystopian world of The Hunger Games into amusement park rides?
Despite the dark and violent premise and setting of the series, Lionsgate is sure it has found a way to make "smart and captivating" attractions, including roller coasters and other rides, based on The Hunger Games.
What kinds of attractions can we anticipate?
One location licensing Hunger Games branded attractions will feature a re-creation of Katniss Everdeen's home region, District 12, complete with Peeta's bakery (pictured above) and costumed characters. That site will also have a roller coaster modeled after the Capitol trains and a Star Tours-like ride through Panem.
What will it look like?
Here's some recently released concept art to whet your appetite. Nice roller coaster!
Click image to enlarge
Where will these attractions be found?
Those specific attractions mentioned above are planned for Motiongate, a massive entertainment complex in the United Arab Emirates. Lionsgate is also licensing the property to a technology-driven theme park called Avatron Smart Park north of Atlanta and two unrelated spots in China, one in Macau and the other in Hengqin. The studio already has a Hunger Games stage show in development in London, as well.
What other Lionsgate movies will be part of these amusement parks?
While it's not clear if all of these will be involved with all of the aforementioned parks (some of which will also involve other studios' properties), Lionsgate is reportedly offering up six franchises for adaptation into attractions. Among them are Step Up, which will become a live dance show, Now You See Me, which will presumably inspire something illusion-based, and The Divergent Series, which like The Hunger Games involves dystopia. Lionsgate is also hoping to add Twilight into the mix.
What other studios are currently building big amusement parks and attractions?
Down the way from Motiongate will be 20th Century Fox World Dubai resort, which will have themed lands and rides based on Ice Age, Rio, Planet of the Apes, Aliens, Predator, Night at the Museum, Titanic, The Simpsons and Sons of Anarchy.
Here's some concept art of what Fox World will look like.
Click image to enlarge
When can we visit these parks?
The UAE's Motiongate opens next year. Dubai's Fox World is set for 2018. The Hengqin park is expected later that same year. Atlanta's Avatron Smart Park is due in 2019. There's no date given for the Macau spot.
Meanwhile, you can go see The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2 in theaters beginning November 20.
