The Wrap is reporting that Lionsgate has recently been approached about the possibility of opening a Hunger Games theme park. In response, CEO Jon Feltheimer stated, “We’re excited about those opportunities and we’re pursuing them.” The CEO also mentioned that sales of the Capitol Couture line are doing well and that the company is eager to pursue more promotional opportunities, like Subway sandwiches and anything else that misses the point of the books entirely.
All I can think of is the Itchy and Scratchy Theme Park…
If you think about it, the setup in the world of the Hunger Games is a Libertarian wet dream. The Makers taking their ease, well pleased and taking perpetual revenge against generations-removed former Moochers and Looters living in desperate poverty; enjoying the spectacle of their permanent underclass stabbing each other in the back for their entertainment.
Andy, I don’t think you understand Libertarianism if you think it is about “us, as the Makers vs them, as the Takers”. Libertarianism is primarily concerned with the dangers inherent in a large government- the larger the government, the more corruption, waste, and loss of freedom. If anything, Hunger Games is the end result of the Progressive dream- Big Government taking care of everyone… that it wants to.
Well said JordanD
This is so wrong, it goes all the way through wrong and comes out the other side.
For that reason, I kind of love it.
@3&4, That’s old school libertarianism. Modern libertarianism is more related to Ayn Rand’s objectivism than any concern over limited government.
@6 Modern libertarianism is by no means tied to Rand. Her thinking (unfortunately) remains influential, but she’s far from the most influential thinker to modern libertarianism, not the least because she’s all sizzle and no steak.
The economic system of world of the Hunger Games is neither libertarian nor progressive by any usable definitions of those words. It is, like some colonial relationships and chattel slavery an economic system built on oppression and exploitation of one group by another. It is, of course, incredibly, incredibly inefficient, but it’s not about efficiency, it’s about power.
Wouldn’t it make a great movie, though? Sort of a cross between Westworld and Jurassic Park?
I’ve seen only the first movie, but the system seemed more like early 20th century colonialism. Like the Belgians forcing the Congolese to work in their “civilizing works”, but also picking some of the Congolese to show in the zoo, for their amusement.
@2 – Keep on knocking down them strawmen. That’ll teach ’em.
I can only laugh as I imagine a Hunger Games themepark as there are only 2 options:
1) Hilariously ironic as it’s a normal themepark catering to your every whim. Chock full of product placement and indulgences.
2) Not ironic would mean… everyone visiting is one of the “bad guys” as you clearly are not the poor oppressed citizens and are instead the rich people enjoying your vacation. Do we actually get to watch death matches in an arena?
I really don’t see how they can make a theme park would for this…