The Hunger Games was a ~revolution~ in young adult literature and film. After Katniss takes her sister’s place in a televised fight-to-the-death, she must team up with baker’s son Peeta to make it out alive. With complex themes of love, trauma, and betrayal, Suzanne Collins’ trilogy is a far cry from the kinds of stories usually marketed toward teenage girls. And considering the trilogy broke all kinds of records and is continually trending on TikTok, that’s definitely a good thing.
The 2020 prequel novel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, follows a younger version of The Hunger Games’ antagonist President Snow as he serves as a 10th Hunger Games mentor. Collins continually surprises you and upends your expectations throughout the novel, and the film promises to be the same. Needless to say, we’re obsessed.
After you check out our exclusive images of Viola Davis' Dr. Gaul, check out what producer Nina Jacobson has to say about lead character Lucy Gray Baird, and watch the trailer we saw at CinemaCon this spring, keep scrolling for the latest details on the film. Oh, and may the odds be ever in your favor.
Will there be a Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes album?
We're definitely hoping for a Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes album — the soundtracks for all four Hunger Games movies are some of our favorites! Olivia Rodrigo will reportedly be one artist featured on the soundtrack, and a snippet from one of Olivia's new songs has recently gone viral. Considering the previous Hunger Games movies featured songs from Taylor Swift, Lorde, Sia, and Ariana Grande, adding Olivia Rodrigo to the mix makes sense.
Who sings The Hanging Tree song from the movie?
In The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1, Jennifer Lawrence's Katniss sings "The Hanging Tree." In The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, Rachel Zegler's Lucy Gray Baird writes the song after witnessing the events mentioned in the lyrics. The song is also featured in the trailer! You can stream the song on October 20.
Watch The New Trailer For "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes"
While the first Hunger Games movie followed Katniss and Peeta in an arena full of trees, grass, and water, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes features a dry and harsh arena. But the story features much more than just the Games — we get a new glimpse into Snow's childhood and adolescence, as well as the politics of a Panem we haven't seen yet. Plus, the trailer wouldn't be complete without a new version of "The Hanging Tree"!
"The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes" First Trailer
The film explores themes of love and loss, and whether anyone is wholly good or evil. This is a whole new perspective on the world of Panem that will keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time.
Check Out The Film's Poster
The new poster for the film shows Lucy Gray Baird (played by Rachel Zegler) and Coriolanus Snow (played by Tom Blyth) back to back within a frame full of both songbirds and snakes.
What is The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes about?
After the war between the Capitol and District 13, Coriolanus Snow is the last hope for his disgraced family. Left with no other options, Snow agrees to mentor District 12 tribute Lucy Gray Baird in the 10th Hunger Games. As they realize how powerful they are together, their lives are put on the line, and only time will tell if good or evil wins out.
Is there a release date for The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes?
The film will be released on November 17, 2023.
Who's directing the movie?
Francis Lawrence, who directed the original trilogy, is directing the prequel. "I'm really excited about the cast," he says in an interview with Collider. "It feels very different, in that there really is a unique sort of aesthetic to it because it takes place 65 years before. The characters feel very different. There are still very familiar touchpoints. It very much feels like a Hunger Games movie, but at the same time feels really fresh and unique, and thematically unique."
Who will play Snow in Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes?
Snow will be played by Tom Blyth, and Lucy Gray will be played by Rachel Zegler. The two leads are joined by Josh Andrés Rivera, Euphoria’s Hunter Schafer, Jason Schwartzman, Peter Dinklage, and Viola Davis.
How is The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes related to The Hunger Games?
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes takes place over 60 years before The Hunger Games opens, but there are plenty of connections. In addition to competing in the games, Lucy Gray and Katniss are both from District 12. Snow is also seen in both novels.
Is Katniss Everdeen in The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes?
Katniss is not in The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, but Maude Ivory, who lives in District 12 with Lucy Gray, is widely thought to be Katniss’ grandmother.
In an interview with Empire, director Francis Lawrence explains why the two leading ladies are different. “Katniss was an introvert and a survivor,” he says in the interview. “She was quite quiet and stoic, you could almost say [she was] asexual. Lucy Gray is the opposite. She wears her sexuality on her sleeve, [and] she really is a performer.”
This draws plenty of parallels between Lucy Gray and Peeta Mellark. In the original Hunger Games, Katniss and her mentor Haymitch realize that the way Peeta wears his heart on his sleeve doesn't make him weak like you might expect. Because it captures the Capitol's attention, his empathy makes him compelling (which, in Hunger Games terms, means that people will want to sponsor him). Because Lucy Gray is more open to the world, she might just have a similar experience in her games.
Will The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes be 1 or 2 movies?
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes will be one single movie that stands apart from the original Hunger Games quartet.
Brand New Character Posters For The Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes
Rachel Zegler's Lucy Gray Baird, who's protected by a row of roses, isn't going down without a fight.
Only time will tell whether Tom Blythe's Snow is a songbird or a snake (although there are snakes wrapping around his arms...).
Hunter Schafer's Tigris is a tried-and-true friend.
Jason Schwartzman's Lucky Flickerman is ready to put on a show.
Viola Davis' Volumnia Gaul has plenty of tricks up her sleeve, and the collection of dead branches suggest she isn't as full of life as she seems.
Peter Dinklage's Casca Highbottom knows there's no turning back.
Josh Andrés Rivera's Sejanus Plinth is much more than meets the eye.
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Lead image via Murray Close/Lionsgate
This post has been updated.
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