The book, written by Suzanne Collins, was released in 2020 and takes place around 64 years prior to the events of the beloved trilogy. The prequel centres on the series’ villain, President Coriolanus Snow, as a young man who becomes a mentor for a District 12 tribute in the 10th Hunger Games. The book focuses on the early days of the Hunger Games and explores how Snow fought for power in Panem.
Even though it is only a year and a half away, no casting announcements have been made yet.
It was announced on April 29th at CinemaCon that the prequel was to be adapted into a film with a release date of November 17th, 2023. Even though it is only a year and a half away, no casting announcements have been made yet. Coriolanus Snow was played by Golden Globe winner Donald Sutherland (M.A.S.H.) in The Hunger Games films.
In 2008, Lionsgate bought the rights to the franchise for just $200,000. The franchise went on to become one of the biggest film franchises of the decade, grossing just under $3 billion worldwide. The four films, as the final book of the trilogy was split in two for the adaptation, set multiple records at the box office for biggest opening weekends for a non-sequel film and for the month of November. The first film won the 2012 BAFTA Children’s Award for Best Feature Film. The franchise helped shoot Jennifer Lawrence (Silver Lining’s Playbook) into stardom. Lawrence’s performance as heroine Katniss Everdeen secured her many nominations and wins, such as a Teen Choice Award for her performance in all four films.
All four films are available with Prime Video in the UK.
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is available in paperback and hardback in bookstores now.