The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, a prequel to The Hunger Games, will be made into a film the following year. Unfortunately, information regarding the movie adaptation is scant, but we do know a few things, such as the release date, plot, and cast.
The official title of the prequel to The Hunger Games is The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. It is based on Suzanne Collins’ prequel novel of the same name from the first Hunger Games trilogy. Fans of the book seemed to enjoy it. It is so well-liked, in fact, that a film adaptation is being made and will be released the following year.
Hunger Games Prequel Movie Release Date
The motion picture The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes will be released in theatres on November 17, 2023. The prequel release date was revealed at a Lionsgate presentation at Cinemacon, an annual conference when movie studios showcase their upcoming releases.
One of the movie’s stars, Rachel Zegler, acknowledged the completion of filming via Twitter.
Thankfully, Zegler has been giving fans sneak peeks into the set and what’s going on behind the scenes on the set of the Hunger Games prequel movie. The video also features Peter Dinklage and Tom Blyth. You can watch it here.
@tiktok i volunteer as tribute ✋ here’s a first look on set of #TheHungerGames ♬ Au Revoir – Sweet After Tears
Hunger Games Prequel Plot: What is the Story of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes?
You may already be aware that the dystopian future is the setting for the Hunger Games franchise. The nation, which is now called Panem, holds an annual competition where a young boy and girl from each district must battle to the death for the amusement of the merciless Capitol.
President Snow (played by Donald Sutherland), the antagonist of the first three books, was vanquished by Katniss Everdeen (played by Jennifer Lawrence) and the uprising districts. Yet he didn’t invent the games; rather, he was simply born into and maintained that universe. What then led him to become such a brutal ruler?
The prequel movie will focus on young President Snow. According to the novel, the story is set 64 years before the original trilogy. It will follow a teenage Coriolanus Snow who is given the task to mentor a District 12 tribute called Lucy Gray Baird, and a relationship grows between them.
Hunger Games Prequel Trailer
Lionsgate has released an official teaser of The Ballad of the Songbirds and Snakes. However, the trailer does not give out any hints about the plot of the movie, or a glimpse into the film.
The book’s cover art is essentially animated in the teaser. Frost-covered snake and a songbird dart through a frozen tree. “You’re invited to return to the games”, the trailer says as the ice breaks off to reveal a gold logo, “In 2023, the world will discover who is a songbird and who is a snake.”
Now is the perfect time to watch the previous movies again before the prequel film releases. If you are new to the franchise, check out how to watch The Hunger Games in order.
Hunger Games Prequel Cast and Characters
As for the cast, Tom Blyth will play Coriolanus Snow in the Hunger Games prequel, and West Side Story actress Rachel Zegler will play Lucy Gray Baird. An image of the two in costume was recently published by the official Hunger Games Twitter account, offering fans a sneak peek at the characters and their connection.
Peter Dinklage and Viola Davis are two of the cast’s most recent and most intriguing additions. Dinklage will play Casca Highbottom, the Dean of the Capitol’s Academy and the Games’ spokesperson. Davis will take on the role of Dr. Volumnia Gaul, the tenth Hunger Games’ formidable and inventive chief game designer.
Here is a list of other cast members and characters from The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes:
- Zoe Renee as Lysistrata Vickers
- Aamer Husain as Felix Ravinstill
- Max Raphael as Festus Creed
- Lilly Cooper as Arachne Crane
- Kaitlyn Akinpelumi as Domita Whimsiwick
- Ayomide Adegun as Pliny “Pup” Harrington
- Amélie Hoeferle as Vipsania Sickle
- Knox Gibson as Bobbin from District 8
- Jerome Lance as Marcus from District 2
- Sofia Sanchez as Wovey from District 8
- Mackenzie Lansing as Coral from District 4
- Nick Benson as Jessup from District 12
FAQs
Who will play snow in The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes?
Tom Blyth plays President Snow in The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. Blyth plays 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow, years before he becomes the tyrannical president of Panem.
Is Hunger Games on Hulu?
No, Hunger Games is not on Hulu anymore. The film franchise was available on the platform but has since been removed because of copyrights.
Final Words
The Hunger Games prequel movie release date is November 17, 2023. The prequel is about Snow and his early days before becoming the President, set 64 years before the original trilogy. So, mark your calendars and get ready for another thrilling tournament.
