The prequel to the famous “The Hunger Games” series is developing as a movie, six years after the last film installment hit theatres. “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2” (2015) marked the end of a four-film franchise based on Suzanne Collins’ acclaimed YA trilogy featuring Katniss Everdeen, who sparks a revolution to dismantle a repressive future class system.
In 2020, Collins expanded the series with a prequel, “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” which centred on President Snow, the primary antagonist from the original series. Despite fans’ objections to focusing on the villainous dictator, Lionsgate is moving ahead with a movie adaptation of the contentious prequel, which is set to be released on November 17, 2023, as announced during the 2022 CinemaCon presentation.
Here’s all you need to know about the forthcoming “Hunger Games” prequel film:
“The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” explores President Snow’s teenage years when he is assigned to mentor a District 12 tribute. The story delves into the original series’ dictator backstory, akin to recent origin films like Disney’s “Cruella” and Warner Bros.’ “Joker.”
The novel follows 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow, who seeks fortune for his family by mentoring in the 10th annual Hunger Games. Despite initially being dismayed by his assignment to mentor the seemingly underwhelming Lucy Gray from impoverished District 12, he later sees her potential and schemes to help her win.
Fans worried that the prequel might humanize the fascist leader, but Collins’ portrayal shows Snow as a cruel teenager, not inviting sympathy. Set 64 years before the first “Hunger Games” book, the prequel presents a darker and more brutal version of the Hunger Games.
The first four “Hunger Games” movies director, Francis Lawrence, will return to direct “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.” No actors from the original movie series are expected to reprise their roles in the prequel, given the significant time difference.
The cast for the prequel movie includes “West Side Story” star Rachel Zegler, “Euphoria” star Hunter Schafer, and Viola Davis. Tom Blyth will portray the young Coriolanus Snow, while Josh Andrés Rivera, Jason Schwartzman, and Peter Dinklage will assume other key roles.
Lionsgate has already released a teaser trailer for the movie, which features a golden songbird and snake breaking free from an icy prison.
The upcoming “Hunger Games” prequel film offers a fresh perspective on the dystopian world that captivated millions of fans worldwide. With a talented cast and the return of the original director, the movie is set to delve deeper into the origins of the series antagonist, President Snow, while exploring the harsher reality of the early Hunger Games. As anticipation builds, fans eagerly await the film’s release on November 17, 2023, to rediscover this beloved franchise’s thrill and uncover its characters’ untold stories.
