The highly anticipated prequel to “The Hunger Games,” titled “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes”, has unveiled a spectacular new trailer, signalling a cinematic feast for fans who have been yearning for more since the last movie in 2015. Set decades before Katniss Everdeen’s adventures, Rachel Zegler is set to be the show’s star as Lucy Gray Baird.
Following the saga’s final installment in 2015, “Mockingjay Part 2,” ardent fans have been hoping for the return of their beloved Katniss, played by Jennifer Lawrence. Now, while she might not be in this prequel, announcing a new installment still fills the void. The chosen lead, Rachel Zegler, known for her roles in the remakes of “West Side Story” and “Snow White,” will be stepping into the dystopian world created by Suzanne Collins, whose 2020 novel is being adapted. Francis Lawrence, who directed the last three movies, will be helming this venture as well.
Set in post-apocalyptic Panem, the original trilogy started with Katniss volunteering as a tribute, replacing her younger sister in the televised deathly Hunger Games. This prequel will focus on the rise of Coriolanus Snow, the eventual tyrant leader of Panem. The plot follows the 18-year-old Snow mentoring Lucy Gray Baird, the female tribute from District 12. Lucy stuns everyone with her singing prowess at the inauguration, making Snow believe she could win the games with charm.
The cast includes Tom Blyth as Coriolanus Snow, Rachel Zegler as Lucy Gray Baird, and other notable stars such as Peter Dinklage and Viola Davis. Davis, known for her impactful roles, will play Volumnia Gaul, the mastermind behind the sinister adolescent death match known as The Hunger Games.
The official release date has been announced as November 17, 2023. With the first poster already out, the trailer has also been released. On TikTok, Zegler gave fans a 50-second sneak peek behind the scenes, showcasing the set and some characters. The actress also humorously pointed out her “least favourite person on set,” co-star and real-life boyfriend, Josh Rivera.
“The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” promises to be an intriguing journey into the past, revealing the origins of the cruel games and the rise of its mastermind. As fans eagerly await its release, they only hope this prequel will be as captivating and compelling as the original series.