‘Hunger Games: Ballad of Singbirds and Snakes’ First Look

Let the 10th Hunger Games begin!

Lionsgate is teasing a first look at The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, a prequel story set in the grim world of Panem. Set long before the odds were in Katniss Everdeen’s favor in the popular Hunger Games franchise, the film revolves around Tom Blyth as Coriolanus Snow (the eventual tyrannical ruler of the dystopian nation) and Rachel Zegler as a tribute to Lucy Gray Baird.

The new photo gives a glimpse of 18-year-old Snow, who was chosen to mentor Baird during the 10th Hunger Games – the highly publicized event where teenagers are chosen by lottery to fight to the death. In the 2020 novel by Suzanne Collins, the humble Lucy Gray catches everyone’s attention by singing during the harvest ceremony. With her talent and charisma, Snow believes he may be able to turn the odds in her favor to win the games.

As previously announced, Hunter Schafer will play Snow’s cousin and confidante Tigris Snow, Peter Dinklage will portray Academy Dean Casca Highbottom, and Viola Davis has been cast as Volumnia Gaul, the mastermind of fiendish deathmatch.

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is directed by Francis Lawrence, who is well versed in the Hunger Games, having brought The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Mockingjay Part 1 and Mockingjay Part 2 to cinemas Screen. Michael Lesslie (“Macbeth” with Michael Fassbender, “Assassin’s Creed”) wrote the latest draft of the screenplay.

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes hits theaters worldwide on November 17, 2023.