Olivia Rodrigo has surprised fans with the announcement of new music, which no one was expecting, as she’s busy promoting her latest project, which only arrived a few weeks ago.
The pop sensation took to social media on Wednesday (November 1) to reveal that she has penned a song titled “Can’t Catch Me Now” for the upcoming soundtrack of The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (Music From & Inspired By).
“Can’t Catch Me Now” is not only a new addition to her discography, but it also serves as the lead single from the forthcoming Hunger Games soundtrack. Fans won’t have to wait long to hear the cut, as the song is set to drop on Friday, November 3—tomorrow. The full soundtrack is scheduled for release on November 17, coinciding with the film’s premiere date.
Rodrigo expressed her enthusiasm for the project on Instagram, claiming she was “Soooo beyond excited” to write a tune for the franchise. She broke the news by sharing a trailer of The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, which includes a snippet of the track.
This surprising announcement comes on the heels of Rodrigo’s remarkable success with her sophomore album Guts, which was released in September. The title debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, giving the singer her second consecutive leader. The album also spawned a series of hit singles, including the latest release, “Get Him Back!” which was only officially promoted in mid-September.
One particularly intriguing aspect of Rodrigo’s inclusion on the soundtrack is the title’s focus on artists in the Americana and folk genres—a departure from the singer-songwriter’s signature alternative rock style. This shift raises questions about whether she may be exploring a new musical direction for just this particular project, or perhaps beyond this one offering. The soundtrack also features tracks from artists such as Sierra Ferrell and Molly Tuttle, among others.
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes marks the fifth installment in the popular film series and serves as a prequel to the original films. The title was recently granted an interim agreement from SAG-AFTRA, which has barred actors from promoting movies during its ongoing strike.