Tv & Film

Hunger Games Prequel Risen! 'Songbirds and Snakes' Soars

Hunger Games Prequel Risen! 'Songbirds and Snakes' Soars
Published 11 months ago on Nov 20, 2023

Get ready for the blockbuster event of 2023! The Hunger Games saga is back, and it's set to captivate audiences once again with its prequel, "The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes," hitting cinemas and IMAX on November 17.

 

With a stellar cast featuring Tom Blyth, Rachel Zegler, Peter Dinklage, Hunter Schafer, Jason Schwartzman, Josh Andrés Rivera, and Viola Davis, this prequel promises the intense, high-stakes action fans have come to love. Whether you're a longtime Hunger Games enthusiast or a newcomer, this movie offers an exciting entry point into the franchise.

Star power: Tom Blyth playing Coriolanus Snow and Rachel Zegler as Lucy Gray Baird 

Set 64 years before the original series, "The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes" unfolds the gripping tale of the 10th Annual Hunger Games, introducing mentors for the first time to make the spectacle more engaging. This is the origin story, revealing the spark that ignited the flame and laying the foundation for everything fans adore about The Hunger Games.

The prequel to the original series features Viola Davis as the villainous Dr Volumnia Gaul (left). She's seen on the right holding her 2017 Oscar for best actress in a supporting role 

Tom Blyth takes on the role of the infamous Coriolanus Snow, portrayed as an 18-year-old mentor preparing for his shot at glory in the Games. Tasked with mentoring Lucy Gray Baird (Rachel Zegler), the charismatic female tribute from District 12, Coriolanus faces daunting odds, and every choice he makes has monumental consequences.

Fans will know Peter Dinklage from Game of Thrones (left) and in The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes he brings his characteristic intensity to the role of Games inventor Casca Highbottom

As the story unfolds inside the arena, Coriolanus grapples with the morality of following the rules versus his desire to ensure Lucy's survival at any cost. The stakes are higher than ever, with only one competitor destined to emerge alive.

You've seen his downfall, now witness his rise to power! Tom Blyth as a young Coriolanus Snow (left) and Donald Sutherland playing him in the original series (right)

In the cruel, corrupt world of Panem, "The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes" explores dangerous political machinations that resonate with current-day realities. Peter Dinklage brings his magnetic intensity to the role of Casca Highbottom, the Games' inventor, while Viola Davis shines as the formidable 'villain' Dr Volumnia Gaul, the Head Gamemaker.

Rachel Zegler appears as Lucy Gray Baird, who has a key role in the 10th Hunger Games. Fans have also speculated about her connection to Katniss Everdeen 

As Dr. Gaul, Viola Davis unleashes her evil genius by breeding Mutts—genetically modified animals that terrorize the arena. Davis's powerhouse performance adds depth to the film, showcasing why she's an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony-winning talent.

The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes delivers the intense, high-stakes action fans have been craving

Joining the ensemble cast is Jason Schwartzman as Lucretius 'Lucky' Flickerman, the first-ever host of The Hunger Games, and Hunter Schafer, who brings back the glamour of Effie Trinket as the stylish Tigris Snow.

Jason Schwartzman as Lucretius 'Lucky' Flickerman - the first ever host of The Hunger Games and predecessor to the infamous Caesar Flickerman (played in the original films by Stanley Tucci - right, with Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen)

Rachel Zegler, known for her role in Shazam!, takes on the key role of Lucy Gray Baird, central to the 10th Hunger Games. Fans have speculated about her connection to Katniss Everdeen, the protagonist famously played by Jennifer Lawrence.

The glamour of Elizabeth Banks' Effie Trinket (left) is still alive in this instalment with Hunter Schafer's stellar performance as Tigris

Josh Andrés Rivera, previously seen alongside Rachel Zegler in West Side Story, plays Sejanus Plinth, mentor of the male tribute of District 2.

Jennifer Lawrence portraying Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games, a role that helped make her a household name 

With such a star-studded lineup and a plot that delves into the heart of Panem's darkness, "The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes" promises an unmissable cinematic experience. Don't miss out—book your tickets now for the opening weekend starting November 17 in cinemas and IMAX!

Fans will remember Stanley Tucci playing Caesar Flickerman (seen here with Katniss Everdeen)

Why was Hunger Games banned?

The Hunger Games book series has been challenged and banned in several school districts across the United States due to concerns about violence, offensive language, and anti-family themes. Some parents and educators have expressed concerns that the books' graphic descriptions of violence, including child-on-child violence, could be harmful to young readers. Others have objected to the books' use of profanity and other offensive language. Still others have argued that the books' portrayal of a dystopian society where children are forced to fight to the death promotes a negative worldview and could desensitize children to violence.

Is there another Hunger Games coming out in 2023?

There is no new Hunger Games movie scheduled to be released in 2023. However, a prequel film, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, is set to be released in November 2023. The film will be based on the 2020 novel of the same name by Suzanne Collins, and it will tell the story of a young Coriolanus Snow, who will go on to become the cruel and ruthless President Snow of the Hunger Games trilogy.

What is the story of Hunger Games all about?

The Hunger Games is a dystopian trilogy set in the fictional nation of Panem, which consists of a wealthy Capitol and twelve surrounding districts. Every year, two children from each district are chosen to participate in the Hunger Games, an annual televised event in which the tributes must fight to the death until only one victor remains. The story follows Katniss Everdeen, a 16-year-old girl from District 12, who volunteers to take her younger sister's place in the games. Along with her fellow tribute Peeta Mellark, Katniss must use her survival skills and intelligence to outwit and outlast the other tributes in order to return home alive.

What are the 5 Hunger Games books?

The Hunger Games book series consists of three novels:

  1. The Hunger Games (2008)
  2. Catching Fire (2009)
  3. Mockingjay (2010)

The series is followed by a prequel novel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (2020).

The Hunger Games songs

The Hunger Games has produced many popular songs, including:

  • "The Hanging Tree" by James Newton Howard featuring Jennifer Lawrence
  • "Safe & Sound" by Taylor Swift featuring The Civil Wars
  • "Rue's Four-Note Song" by James Newton Howard
  • "Abraham’s Daughter" by Arcade Fire
  • "Tomorrow Will Be Kinder" by The Secret Sisters
  • "Nothing to Remember" by Neko Case
  • "The Ruler and the Killer" by Kid Cud
  • Dark Days" by Punch Brothers
  • One Engine" by The Decemberists
  • "Daughter’s Lament" by Carolina Chocolate Drops
  • "Take the Heartland" by Glen Hansard
  • “Come Away to the Water” by Maroon 5 featuring Rozzi Crane
  • “Run Daddy Run” by Miranda Lambert featuring Pistol Annies
  • “Rules” by Jayme Dee
  • “Eyes Open” by Taylor Swif
  • “Lover Is Childlike” by The Low Anthem
  • “The Ballad of Lucy Gray Baird” by Marcus Mumford
  • “The Old Therebefore” by James Newton Howard
  • That Thing I Love With” by James Newton Howard

The Hunger Games (film series) movies 2023

There are four films in The Hunger Games film series:

  1. The Hunger Games (2012)
  2. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)
  3. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 (2014)
  4. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 (2015)

The Hunger Games where to watch

The Hunger Games films are available to watch on various streaming platforms, including Hulu, Paramount+, and Amazon Prime Video.

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is a prequel film set in the years before the events of The Hunger Games. The film is scheduled to be released in November 2023.

The Hunger Games 1

The Hunger Games is the first film in the series. It was released in 2012 and follows Katniss Everdeen as she volunteers to take her younger sister's place in the Hunger Games.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is the second film in the series. It was released in 2013 and follows Katniss and Peeta as they are forced to compete in the Hunger Games again.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay is the third and final film in the series. It was released in two parts, Part 1 in 2014 and Part 2 in 2015. The films follow Katniss as she leads the rebellion against the Capitol.

The Hunger Games Netflix

The Hunger Games films are not currently available to watch on Netflix.

The Hunger Games book

The Hunger Games is a dystopian novel by Suzanne Collins. It was published in 2008 and is the first book in the Hunger Games trilogy. The book follows Katniss Everdeen as she volunteers to take her younger sister's place in the Hunger Games, an annual televised event in which the tributes must fight to the death until only one victor remains.

Comments

  • Written news comments are in no way https://www.showbizglow.com it does not reflect the opinions and thoughts of. Comments are binding on the person who wrote them.