The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes 2022 Movie Review Trailer Cast Crew

Rachel Zegler, Tom Blyth, Viola Davis, Peter Dinklage and Hunter Schafer star in the prequel, directed by Francis Lawrence. May the odds always be in our favor when the long-awaited prequel to "The Hunger Games" heads to theaters.

Based on Suzanne Collins' novel "The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes," the prequel film will reveal the origin story behind the world of the viral series "The Hunger Games," starring Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth and Josh Hutcherson. in a love triangle in the wake of the post-apocalyptic do-or-die tournament made up of teenage tributes.

Director: Francis Lawrence
Writers: Michael Arndt, Suzanne Collins, Michael Lesslie
Stars: Viola Davis, Hunter Schafer, Peter Dinklage

Director Francis Lawrence returns to the franchise to helm "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes," featuring a new crop of tributes. Screenwriter Michael Lesslie writes the script. Also revealed is the origin story of Panem's president, Coriolanus Snow, played by Donald Sutherland in the original films, with "The Gilded Age" breakout star Tom Blyth as the young Coriolanus. Rachel Zegler stars in the title role. The film is scheduled to be released in theaters on November 17, 2023.

Lionsgate is teasing a first look at "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes," a prequel story set in the shadowy world of Panem. Taking place long before the odds were in Katniss Everdeen's favor in the popular "Hunger Games" franchise, the film centers on Tom Blyth as Coriolanus Snow and Rachel Zegler as a tribute to Lucy Gray Baird.

The new photo takes a look at 18-year-old Snow, who is chosen as Baird's mentor during the 10th Hunger Games, the highly publicized event in which teenagers are chosen by lottery to fight to the death. In the 2020 novel by Suzanne Collins, the unassuming Lucy Gray draws everyone's attention by singing during the harvest ceremony. With his talent and charisma, Snow believes he can turn the odds in his favor to win games.

Hunter Schafer stars as Snow's cousin and confidant Tigris Snow, Peter Dinklage stars as Academy Dean Casca Highbottom, and Viola Davis has been cast as Volumnia Gaul, the mastermind of the diabolical deathmatch.

“The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” will be directed by Francis Lawrence, who is well-versed in all things Panem after bringing “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire,” “Mockingjay — Part 1” and “Mockingjay — Part 2” to the big screens. Michael Lesslie ("Macbeth," starring Michael Fassbender, "Assassin's Creed") wrote the final draft of the script.

“The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” will be released in theaters around the world on November 17, 2023.

Watch The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes 2022 Trailer