'The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes': What We Know So Far

It has been eight years since the fourth installment in 'The Hunger Games' Series 'The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2' was released. Now, the franchise is coming back with a prequel film set 64 years from the events of the original trilogy. The upcoming movie is based on the book 'The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes' by Suzanne Collins. Lionsgate, the studio behind the first four films, is returning to produce the upcoming prequel. 'Hunger Games' series filmmaker Francis Lawrence is also coming back to direct 'The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes' movie, with the franchise producers Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson. Here is everything we know about 'The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.'

What Is The Production Status Of 'The Hunger Games' Prequel Movie?

Production Status: Post-production

'The Hunger Games' prequel film finished filming in November 2022. However, it is still in post-production. The filming began on June 5, 2022, in Wroclaw, Poland, before concluding on November 6, in Berlin, Germany. 'The Hunger Games' author Collins will write the film's treatment while Oscar-winning screenwriter Michael Arndt will pen the screenplay. Arndt was also the writer for 'Hunger Games: Catching Fire.'

When Will' The Hunger Games' Prequel Movie Release?

The film will hit theaters on November 17, 2023. Assuming there are no scheduled reshoots and other production hurdles, the film will successfully premiere in 2023.

What Is The Plot Of 'The Hunger Games' Prequel Movie?

The upcoming film is based on Collins' prequel novel "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes." The story focuses on the villain from the original series, President Snow. Do not worry. This installment will not humanize the sinister dictator. It is not like how Disney gave their infamous villains, such as Cruella and Maleficent, backstories that made them more relatable to the public. Instead, the prequel focuses on President Snow in his teen years, when he gets tasked to mentor a tribute from District 12. In the book, the 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow seeks fortune for his family by becoming a mentor in the 10th annual Hunger Games. He gets assigned to mentor Lucy Gray, the tribute from the country's poorest district. At first, Snow thought they had no chance of winning the competition. But that changes when he sees her potential. Snow helps her win so that he can carry home fortune for himself.

But again, the prequel does not aim to sympathize with Snow and forget all his evil deeds. Instead, it only shows how ruthless and cold Snow is, even as a teenager. The prequel is set 64 years before the original trilogy. Hence, expect the battles to be uncomplicated but more brutal. The prequel will also chronicle how Snow helped shape the battle royal into the sophisticated tournament Katniss participated in.

Who Is Cast In 'The Hunger Games' Prequel Movie?

Tom Blyth, Rachel Zegler, Hunter Schafer, Jason Schwartzman, Peter Dinklage, Viola Davis, Burn Gorman, Fionnula Flanagan, Isobel Jesper Jones, Dakota Shapiro, Vaughan Reilly, and others have been cast in the upcoming The Hunger Games film.

Is There An Official Trailer For 'The Hunger Games' Prequel Movie?

There's no official full-length trailer. However, a first look at The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes has been shared with the audience. Have a look at it below:

This article was recently reviewed and is up to date as of April 26th, 2023.