We are getting our very own ‘Hunger Games’ theme parks, people!
By the end of this month, we’ll have no more Hunger Games movies to look forward to because the trilogy +1 is coming to an end. SAD, I know. Thankfully, there are already things in the works to make sure that Hunger Games lives on long after Katniss leaves the arena, and one of those things happens to be Hunger Games theme parks.
Yes, a Hunger Games theme park that — DON’T WORRY — won’t actually be like stepping into the Quarter Quell arena, because, no.
Two parks—one near Atlanta and one in Macau, China—are officially in the works, with plans to include roller coasters and a bunch of other rides and games with an HG theme. And in case that wasn’t enough for you, there is already one park in the works near Dubai, as well.
Lionsgate, the studio behind Hunger Games, isn’t looking to make a Hunger-Games-Disneyland, but rather a Disneyland (or Lionsgate Land) with a Hunger Games Land inside. Also, a Step Up Land, and a Divergent Land, and a Now You See Me Land. They’re looking to bring all of their major film properties to life in the same way that Walt Disney transformed his screen heroes into theme park inspiration.
“The more we thought about it, the more we realized there was a major opportunity — not just to create something smart and captivating that Hunger Games fans would love, but to bring all of our franchises alive in new ways,” Tim Palen, Lionsgate’s chief brand officer explained to the New York Times. It’s expected that the parks will be focused around Hunger Games (but maybe not like, a giant President Snow castle in the middle) and then incorporate these other movies with attractions and stage shows throughout the rest of the area.
So when is this all going down? The park in Atlanta, which is currently called Avatron Smart Park, is expected to open around 2019. And the Dubai park is scheduled for some time next year. According to the New York Times, that park will feature “a re-creation of the fictional District 12,” along with “costumed characters and real-life versions of Peeta Mellark’s bakery and the Hob black market.” And let’s not forget the roller coaster inspired by the Capitol trains and the hovercraft tour of Panem.
Our bags are already packed.
(Image via Lionsgate)