Below is a time line of everything pertaining to The Hunger Games film. From cast and crew announcements, to poster and trailer releases, it’s all lead up to the release of the movie on March 23, 2012.

September 14, 2008:

The Hunger Games is published by Scholastic Inc. Suzanne Collins had signed a six-figure deal for three books with Scholastic in 2006; “The Hunger Games” had a 50,000 first printing, which was then bumped up to 200,000.

March 3, 2009:

Color Force, Nina Jacobson’s production company acquires film rights for book. The company is known for producing many film adaptations of books such as “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” and “One Day.”

March 17, 2009:

Lionsgate acquires distribution rights to “The Hunger Games” film.

November 4, 2010:

Gary Ross is announced as director, says he loves the story and will try very hard to stay dedicated to the books.

January 25, 2011:

“The Hunger Games” release date is set by Lionsgate for March 23, 2012.

March 17, 2011:

Oscar-nominated actress Jennifer Lawrence lands role of Katniss Everdeen, beating out as many as 30 actresses.

April 4, 2011:

Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth cast as Peeta Mellark and Gale Hawthorne, respectively.

April 19, 2011:

Jack Quaid and Leven Rambin cast as Marvel and Glimmer, respectively, the District 1 tributes.

April 20, 2011:

Willow Shields cast as Primrose Everdeen, Katniss’ little sister, this is her first big-screen performance.

April 22, 2011:

Paula Malcomson cast as Katniss’ mother.

April 28, 2011:

Elizabeth Banks tweets, confirming her role of Effie Trinket.

April 29, 2011:

Amandla Stenberg cast as Rue and Jacqueline Emerson is cast as Foxface.

May 5, 2011:

Wes Bentley cast as Seneca Crane, head gamemaker.

May 9, 2011:

Stanley Tucci cast as Caesar Flickerman.

May 10, 2011:

Woody Harrelson cast as Haymitch.

May 18, 2011:

Filming in Hildebran, NC begins.

May 23, 2011:

Latarsha Rose cast as Portia, Peeta’s stylist. Brooke Bundy cast as Octavia, Cinna’s assistant.

May 24, 2011:

Lenny Kravitz set to play Katniss’ stylist, Cinna. Toby Jones cast as Claudius Templesmith, the Hunger Games announcer.

May 26, 2011:

Filming in Hildebran, NC ends.

May 31, 2011:

Donald Sutherland is cast as the ruler of Panem, President Snow.

August 28, 2011:

First “Hunger Games” teaser trailer released at the end of MTV’s Video Music Awards.

October 28, 2011:

“The Hunger Games” posters released, features profiles of eight characters.

November 14, 2011:

First movie trailer released on Good Morning America.

December 6, 2011:

James Newton Howard to replace Danny Elfman as “Hunger Games” composer.

Februray 22, 2012:

“Hunger Games” tickets go on sale, analysts begin to predict massive opening-weekend numbers in the $60-100 million range.

February 24, 2012:

“The Hunger Games” surpasses “Twilight” in advances ticket sales.

February 29, 2012:

“The Hunger Games” given official PG-13 rating in US the MPAA cites violent thematic material and disturbing images.

March 12, 2012:

“The Hunger Games” premieres worldwide at Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles.
Film receives 12A rating in UK, only after digitally removing 8 seconds of blood.

March 20, 2012:

Presale tickets surpass 1 million, becomes the biggest presale for a non-sequel movie ever. Soundtrack released on iTunes, and with popular names such as Taylor Swift and The Decemberists, quickly earns the top spot on the charts.

March 23, 2012:

“The Hunger Games” breaks midnight-release records, earning $19.75 million

March 26, 2012:

Lionsgate releases official opening-weekend box office numbers, the movie raked in $152.5 million domestically, $214 million worldwide. This is the third best weekend opening of all time, it is also the best opening for a non-sequel movie.