It’s back to the Hunger Games in the prequel The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes directed by Francis Lawrence (The Hunger Games franchise).
A first glimpse of the upcoming film brandishing the lead characters looking cozy under a tree was released on social media with a rather teasing caption: “Sneaky peak at our inconspicuous little movie about 2 totally chill birdwatchers with no emotional damage whatsoever…”
Courtesy of Lionsgate
Based on the 2020 novel of the same name by Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games prequel will be set 64 years before the franchise’s timeline, in a post-war Capitol following a young President Snow before his tyrannical reign.
The role of the future cunning ruler is portrayed by Tim Blyth (Benediction). 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow is tasked with mentoring Lucy Gray Baird (Rachel Zegler), a tribute from the same District as the infamous franchise female lead, Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence), the poverty-stricken 12th District.
Courtesy of Julian Ungano/Lionsgate
Even as a young man Coriolanus is quick in the mind as he sees an opportunity for possible success when Baird stuns the whole of Panem by singing at the reaping ceremony. Side by side they take on whatever challenges come their way with their combined skills.
Only at the end of it all will it be known who is in fact the songbird, and who is the snake.
In addition to Blyth and Zegler, Viola Davis (How To Get Away With Murder) was recently revealed as Dr. Volumnia Gaul the Head Gamemaker of the 10th annual Hunger Games.
Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones) will be enacting the role of the Dean of the Academy and co-creator of the games, Hunter Schafer will take on the role of Tigris Snow, the cousin of Coriolanus and trusted adviser, and Jason Schwartzman will star as Lucretius “Lucky” Flickerman the forthcoming games television host.
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is produced by Nina Jacobson, Brad Simpson, and Francis Lawrence. Suzanne Collins has a seat on the executive producers’ panel alongside Tim Palen and Mika Saito.
The Hunger Games installment is scheduled for release on November 17, 2023.
You can watch the teaser trailer below:
