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Noah Kahan Drops Game‑Changing Anthem 'Draw You Out' for Hunger Games

By GoNews Pulse Editorial Team••Updated Oct 8, 2026
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Noah Kahan Drops Game‑Changing Anthem 'Draw You Out' for Hunger Games

**Noah Kahan to Score New Hunger Games Feature with Lead Single “Draw You Out”**

A new song will mark the opening of Lionsgate’s latest Hunger Games installment, *Sunrise on the Reaping*. Noah Kahan has been tapped to write the film’s lead single, which is slated for a Friday release on October 2. The movie itself will hit theaters on November 20, bringing the franchise’s 50th Games to life on the big screen.

The track will join a lineup that nods to previous installments, featuring songs such as “Deep in the Meadow” from the first film and “The Old Therebefore” from *The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes*. Fans have also speculated that Lizzie McAlpine might contribute “The Wheel” to the 29‑song tracklist.

Other past contributors include Taylor Swift, Lorde, and Olivia Rodrigo, all of whom have penned original numbers for earlier books.

Kahan’s recent public appearances—most notably a rendition of Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water” at the 2026 Emmys and his Netflix documentary debut at SXSW—signal a growing interest in his songwriting talent.

The singer has expressed enthusiasm about working on the new soundtrack, noting his admiration for Suzanne Collins’s work and the emotional resonance of the film’s characters.

## Background & Context

The Hunger Games franchise began with a 2012 feature that set a precedent for original music tied to its cinematic universe. Subsequent films have benefited from collaborations with high‑profile artists, enriching the narrative through soundtrack contributions.

Lionsgate has continued this tradition by inviting contemporary musicians to craft songs that reflect the evolving story arcs.

*Sunrise on the Reaping* adapts Suzanne Collins’s 2025 novel, centering on a younger Haymitch Abernathy during the second Quarter Quell. The plot follows the 50th Games, which feature doubled tributes . The film will see Woody Harrelson portray an older Haymitch, while Joseph Zada plays his younger self.

The cast list reads like a star‑studded ensemble, including Ben Wang, McKenna Grace,  Fanning, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Ralph Fiennes, Kieran Culkin, and Jesse Plemons. Whitney Peak is slated to play Lenore Dove, the love interest of the younger Haymitch.

These casting choices underscore the film’s intent to balance nostalgia with fresh perspectives.

## What’s in the New Soundtrack

Noah Kahan’s single “Draw You Out” is positioned as the soundtrack’s thematic anchor, released ahead of the film’s premiere. Alongside this track, the album will feature earlier songs that fans associate with the series’ narrative moments. Notably, “Dove Song” is expected to reference Lenore Dove, adding a lyrical layer to her storyline.

Previous soundtracks have showcased diverse artists—Taylor Swift’s “Safe and Sound (feat. Civil Wars)”, Lorde’s “Yellow Flicker Beat”, and Olivia Rodrigo’s “Can’t Catch Me Now”—each contributing distinct musical styles that complement the cinematic tone.

The new soundtrack maintains this lineage by blending contemporary songwriting with the franchise’s dramatic themes.

The inclusion of a potential Lizzie McAlpine track, coupled with Kahan’s lead single, suggests a strategic mix of established and emerging voices. This approach aims to appeal to long‑time fans while drawing in newer audiences through varied musical collaborations.

## Artist Spotlight – Noah Kahan

Kahan’s career has recently intersected with high‑profile events, such as performing at the 2026 Emmys and releasing his documentary *Noah Kahan: Out of Body* during SXSW. His latest studio album, *The Great Divide*, debuted in April 2026, further cementing his position in the contemporary music scene.

In an Instagram post,

Kahan expressed gratitude for contributing to the film: “This is something I’ve always wanted to do and I am so grateful for the opportunity to write for this moving film, having adored the works of art by Suzanne Collins.” He added that he was “totally connected and inspired by the tragic yet hopeful story of Haymitch and Lenore Dove” and that writing about their “purpose, grief and perseverance through pain” was an experience he would always cherish.

Kahan’s involvement signals Lionsgate’s willingness to incorporate fresh songwriting talent into the Hunger Games universe. By pairing his lyrical voice with a franchise steeped in political drama, the studio hopes to expand the series’ emotional resonance for contemporary audiences.

The new soundtrack will be available alongside the film’s release, offering listeners a sonic gateway into the world of *Sunrise on the Reaping*. Fans can anticipate an amalgam of storytelling and music that reflects both the legacy of the franchise and its ongoing evolution.

Why It Matters

The Hunger Games franchise has long leveraged original music as a narrative and marketing tool, and the introduction of Noah Kahan as the composer for *Sunrise on the Reaping* underscores both continuity and evolution. Kahan’s indie‑pop sensibility brings a fresh sonic palette that contrasts with the darker, orchestral scores of earlier entries, potentially broadening the film’s appeal beyond core fans to a younger demographic that follows his recent chart success. By releasing "Draw You Out" ahead of the October 2 single launch, Lionsgate capitalizes on pre‑release buzz and aligns with contemporary soundtrack‑driven movie marketing strategies. The track’s inclusion in the soundtrack also signals a broader trend of cinematic soundtracks being packaged as standalone listening experiences, offering an additional revenue stream and cross‑promotion between music streaming platforms and film releases. the decision to feature veteran artists such as Taylor Swift, Lorde, and Olivia Rodrigo alongside emerging talent reflects a deliberate attempt to bridge nostalgia with novelty, preserving the franchise’s legacy while inviting fresh audience engagement. For fans, this blend of familiar themes and new voices enhances immersion and invites renewed discussion around character arcs like Haymitch and Lenore Dove. In sum, Kahan’s involvement exemplifies a strategic blend of artistic innovation and commercial savvy that could set a new standard for future franchise soundtracks.

Our Take

Bringing Noah Kahan onto the Hunger Games soundtrack feels like a calculated gamble that pays off both artistically and commercially. His knack for earnest lyricism meshes seamlessly with the film’s themes of grief and perseverance, while his growing mainstream appeal could rejuvenate a franchise that has, at times, felt musically stale. The decision to pair him with established names like Taylor Swift and Lorde shows Lionsgate’s confidence in blending legacy with fresh talent—a formula that has proven successful in recent blockbusters. However, the real test will be whether Kahan’s indie‑pop sensibilities can resonate with long‑time fans who expect the ominous, orchestral motifs that have defined the series. If the single "Draw You Out" hooks audiences before the November premiere, it could signal a new era where the Hunger Games soundtrack becomes as essential to the narrative as its visual spectacle. Even if some purists balk, the broader audience engagement and cross‑platform revenue potential make this a bold, forward‑thinking move that others in the industry will likely watch closely.

GoNews Pulse Editorial Team

This article was prepared for publication by GoNews Pulse and checked for publication requirements under our editorial standards. We review available information and correct material errors when they are identified.

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Related topics

  • #Noah Kahan
  • #Hunger Games soundtrack
  • #Lionsgate
  • #Woody Harrelson

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