The prequel to the Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins has already inked a movie deal, as you might expect. Here’s what we know about the adaptation of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes so far:
What’s it about? What’s the plot?
The prequel to the Hunger Games trilogy provides the backstory around a teenage Coriolanus Snow, the man who later becomes the dictatorial president of Panem by the time the events of the original trilogy occur. Coriolanus’s family has fallen on hard times, but he is given the opportunity to mentor District 12 tribute Lucy Gray Baird and with it the chance to make a name for himself.
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes was published on May 19, 2020. See it on Amazon.
Donald Sutherland as Coriolanus Snow
What format will it be? Will the The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes adaptation be a Movie or a Series?
It’s planned as a feature movie.
Who’s behind it?
It was announced on April 21, 2020 that Lionsgate, which adapted the original series as well, acquired the rights to the prequel. With it, comes the original director of the last three movies of the original trilogy too, Francis Lawrence. A number of producers of the original trilogies will be back on board as well.
Author Suzanne Collins will executive produce and write the film treatment, while Michael Arndt (Little Miss Sunshine, Catching Fire) will write the screenplay. (A film treatment generally describes the scenes and substance of the movie in detail, while the screenplay is the actual script.)
What’s the status of the The Ballad of Songbirds And Snakes adaptation?
The adaptation is currently in development, likely being held up a bit by COVID concerns.
Who’s in the cast?
No casting details have been released yet.
While Donald Sutherland played Coriolanus Snow in the original movies, given that Snow is 18 years old in The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, he won’t be reprising the role here.
When will it be released?
Currently unknown.
Is there a trailer or teaser available?
Not yet! Stay tuned.
The Ballad of Songbirds And Snakes / Hunger Games Prequel Movie Development Timeline
April 21, 2020 Hunger Games Prequel The Ballad of Songbirds And Snakes Moves Forward At Lionsgate With Series Director Francis Lawrence
May 19, 2020 The Ballad of Songbirds And Snakes (novel) is released.
I NEED THIS MOVIE!!!! I wanted to play Mayfair because I have red hair and an attitude problem, but I think they want actors who have been acting for several years. And I am nowhere near the likely expertice I need. I’m too wild.
Does someone know who is going to be the cast director ?