Fans have been eagerly waiting seven years for the next “Hunger Games” movie, but luckily, they won’t have to wait much longer for the prequel “The Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes.” The movies are based on the book series by author Suzanne Collins. Here is everything you need to know about the upcoming film.
Plot
According to Insider, the movie takes place 64 years before “The Hunger Games” and shows how the games started. It occurs during the 10th Hunger Games and follows a young Coriolanus Snow before he rose to become the powerful president in the original trilogy. Snow serves as a mentor to a tribute from District 12 named Lucy Gray Baird.
“The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” will illustrate how The Hunger Games progressed throughout the years. We will also learn more about Snow’s origin story, his evolution into a villainous politician and his reasons for eventually tormenting Katniss Everdeen.
Cast
Hunter Schafer as Tigris Snow
Rachel Zegler as Lucy Gray Baird
Peter Dinklage as Casca Highbottom
Nick Benson as Jessup
Ashley Liao as Clemensia Dovecote
Mackenzie Lansing as Coral
Jason Schwartzman as Lucretius
Zoe Renee as Lysistrata Vickers
Lloyd Sherr as Festus Creed
Knox Gibson as Bobbin
Josh Andres Rivera as Sejanus Plinth
Are any Cast Members Returning for “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes”?
According to People, because this upcoming film is a prequel, it’s unlikely that any actors from “The Hunger Games” will reprise their roles. But “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” will showcase some familiar faces from “The Hunger Games” franchise, including Snow and Tigris.
Who Is Directing the Film?
Francis Lawrence will be back to direct “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.” He directed the previous films in the series (“The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” and Parts 1 and 2 of “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay”). Author Suzanne Collins will work as an executive producer alongside Tim Palen. According to People, “Michael Leslie will write the script, based on Collins’ book.” Many will find this comforting because we know they are all analyzing Collins’ writing and trying to ensure that the movie does the book justice.
When Does Filming Begin?
In August 2021, Joe Drake, the Lionsgate motion picture group chairman, revealed that film production was expected to begin in the first half of 2022. We know filming has begun in Poland, as several cast members have shared behind-the-scenes looks on social media.
Where can you Watch the Teaser for “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes”?
On June 5, Lionsgate debuted the first teaser for the film during the 2022 MTV Movie & TV Awards. Unfortunately, no footage from the film was released, but the teaser did show “a gold snake slithering toward a gold bird on a tree, both shedding snow from themselves.” Text in the trailer read: “You’re invited to return to the Games. In 2023, the world will discover who is a songbird and who is a snake.”
When Will “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” Be Released?
“During the 2022 CinemaCon, Lionsgate announced that the film would be released in theaters on Nov. 17, 2023.”
My Thoughts
I think this will be the best “Hunger Games” movie yet since the producers and screenwriters are taking the time to analyze Collins’ writing and make the movie mirror the events in the book. It will be really fascinating to see President Snow’s origin story and learn why The Hunger Games started. In my opinion, Snow torments Katniss because she is a threat to The Hunger Games, and he knows she could stop the Games from happening through her rebellion. I am glad I’m going into this movie not knowing what will happen, and November 2023 can’t seem to come fast enough!
