Viola Davis is chilling as Head Gamemaker Dr. Volumnia Gaul
Having learned about The Hunger Games prequel movie being a definite yes since April at CinemaCon 2022, uber-fans have been eagerly awaiting more details. It’s been speculated that the story of Panem would be continued since the book’s release was announced back in 2019, but the news confirmed that fans will finally see the backstory of antagonist Coriolanus Snow in film format.
While the movie definitely won’t have Katniss and Peeta (it takes place 64 years before the first Hunger Games book), Suzanne Collin’s prequel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, will introduce a young President Snow, and an interesting new character, Lucy Gray Baird, from District 12 (yes, THAT District 12). Here’s a glimpse at the latest trailer for the Hunger Games prequel movie.
The New Trailer for The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
In this new look at what is shaping up to be a must-see fall movie release, we get a glimpse of Lucy, played by Rachel Zegler, entering The Hunger Games arena, and it’s a lot different than the arenas Katniss Everdeen took on in the original trilogy. We also see more of the relationship that develops between Snow and Lucy, and how the villainous president of Panem came into existence.
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes Official Trailer
“I am honored to introduce to you the creator of the Hunger Games,” a menacing Viola Davis declares, at which point we see actor Peter Dinklage downing a shot (how Tyrion!). And with that, we kick off what looks like one hell of an adventure.
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes Teaser Trailer
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes Plot
The prequel follows Snow during his time in the military and his role as a mentor during the 10th Hunger Games in post-war Panem. With Snow’s help, Lucy manages to survive deep into the Games, against all odds. As the story continues, we begin to see the writing on the wall as to who Snow will become in the decades that follow. Directing the film is Francis Lawrence, who also headed up Hunger Games: Catching Fire and Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 and Part 2.
Joe Drake, chairman of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, shared in his announcement: “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is creatively thrilling and takes this world to complex new dimensions that open up amazing cinematic possibilities. We’re thrilled to reunite this filmmaking team with this very unique franchise, and we can’t wait to begin production.”
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes Release Date
The film will be released in theaters on Nov. 17., 2023.
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes Cast
The hottest casting news on the block is that Viola Davis is joining the film. She has been cast as Head Gamemaker Dr. Volumnia Gaul, who is the epitome of evil. Additionally, Peter Dinklage tackles the role of Casca Highbottom, the original creator of the games. Tom Blyth has been cast as the 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow, alongside West Side Story‘s Rachel Zegler as Lucy. Other notables include Andrés Rivera (Sejanus Plinth), Hunter Schafer (Tigris), Jerome Lance (Marcus), Ashley Liao (Clemensia Dovecote), Aamer Husain (Felix Ravinstill), Knox Gibson (Bobbin), Mackenzie Lansing (Coral), Max Raphael (Festus Creed), Zoe Renee (Lysistrata Vickers), Ayomide Adegun (Pliny “Pup” Harrington) and Jason Schwartzman as Lucretius “Lucky” Flickerman.
