A ‘Hunger Games’ Prequel Starring Viola Davis Has Revealed A First Look

Hunger Games artwork

In a Vanity Fair exclusive, Lionsgate released its first image of Tom Blyth and Rachel Zegler as Coriolanus Snow and Lucy Gray Baird from the Hunger Games prequel The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

Based on the book by Suzanne Collins, The movie will show the events of the 10th Hunger Games and how it becomes the tyrannical snake readers know and love to hate. From the official synopsis: “Years before he would become the tyrannical President of Panem, 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow is the last hope for his fading lineage, a once-proud family that has fallen from grace in a post-war Capitol.

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With the 10th annual Hunger Games fast approaching, the young Snow is alarmed when he is assigned to mentor Lucy Gray Baird, the girl tribute from impoverished District 12. But, after Lucy Gray commands all of Panem’s attention by defiantly singing during the reaping ceremony, Snow thinks he might be able to turn the odds in their favor. Uniting their instincts for showmanship and newfound political savvy, Snow and Lucy’s race against time to survive will ultimately reveal who is a songbird and a snake.”

The prequel movie comes 7 years after the last release of a Hunger Games movie, Mockingjay Part 2. Returning to the director’s chair is Francis Lawrence, who directed three of the four films (the exception being the first film). Lawrence recently teased that production designer Uli Hanisch has been hard at work creating a new version of Panem, including District 12, the Capitol, and a new arena for the Games.  

Earlier this month, Viola Davis joined the prequel as Dr. Volumina Gail, the head gamemaker of the 10th annual Hunger Games. Viola is no stranger to blockbuster franchises, as she currently stars as Amanda Waller in the DC Universe. She was a “dream” casting choice “because of the finely layered intelligence and emotion she brings to every role,” according to producer Nina Jacobsen. The character of Dr. Gail is pivotal to shaping the person Snow will ultimately become.

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is set to release on November 17, 2023.

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