The soundtrack for the much anticipated “The Hunger Games” is shaping up to be a hit before the film even arrives in theaters.
Pre-orders for the album, “The Hunger Games: Songs from District 12 and Beyond,” have already hit 10,000, according Universal Republic Records, which is releasing the full album on March 20.
What’s more, the first song, Taylor Swift’s “Safe and Sound,” holds the No. 1 spot on iTunes, with 700,000 tracks sold.
While soundtracks typically take time to catch fire, the record label is projecting that “The Hunger Games” could be a top five seller on the dayof its release.
The album is produced by T Bone Burnett and is inspired by the music of Appalachia, where part of the movie is set.
Lionsgate’s film adaptation — based on the best-selling Suzanne Collins trilogy about teens forced to fight to the death — is expected to break $100 million at the box office on March 23, making it the biggest opening of the year.