The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is the fifth book in the series, and it will be out soon. This prequel is based on Suzanne Collins’s fourth book, and it takes us decades into Panem’s past, where we meet a very different version of President Snow, the tyrannical enemy from The Hunger Games.
In this prologue, we meet a younger version of the dangerous figure on the morning of the reaping, which will start the tenth Hunger Games. Coriolanus Snow is given the job of helping one of the tributes from District 12 prepare for the games. Here’s what we know so far about The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.
These Seasons Are Worth the Watch:
- Diplomat Season 2 Release Date: Who Will Return in Its Cast?
- Grinch 2 Release Date: Is Jim Carrey Returning For Season 2?
Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes Release Date
Lionsgate announced at CinemaCon last year that The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes will be released in theaters on November 17, 2023.
It will come out around the same time as the last three Hunger Games movies, Catching Fire, Mockingjay Part 1, and Mockingjay Part 2, which all came out in November 2013, 2014, and 2015.
Lionsgate confirmed the release date in a Twitter post:
This one's for the fans. Thank you.
❤️ this tweet for more exclusive content from The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes – only in theaters November 17. #TheHungerGames— lionsgate (@Lionsgate) March 25, 2023
Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes Official Plot Summary
The official plot summary for The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes says, “Years before he became 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 favor in a post-war Capitol.
“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 who is a snake.”
Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes Cast
Tom Blyth, who played Billy the Kid, will play the young Coriolanus Snow. Rachel Zegler, who was in West Side Story, will play Lucy Gray Baird, the honor from District 12 who he is supposed to help.
Hunter Schafer, who was in the show Euphoria, will play Coriolanus’s close friend and cousin, Tigris Snow. Jason Schwartzmann, who was in “The French Dispatch,” will play Lucretius “Lucky” Flickerman, who will be the host of the 10th Hunger Games.
Peter Dinklage, who was on Game of Thrones, will play Casca Highbottom, who helped make the Hunger Games as we know them. We also found out in the middle of August 2022 that Viola Davis (The First Lady) had joined the group as Dr. Volumnia Gaul, the Head Gamemaker.
Josh Andrés Rivera (from “West Side Story”), Sofia Sanchez, Ashley Liao (Physical), Jerome Lance, and Nick Benson are also in the group.
Is there an official trailer for The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes?
The original trailer came out on April 27, and it’s nothing short of exciting. Check it out below.
Follow us on Twitter for all the latest updates and sneak peeks of the upcoming season!