The Ballad Of Songbirds & Snakes

A prequel to the original “Hunger Games” narrative, “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” focuses on a young Coriolanus Snow (Tom Blyth) — the man who grows up to be the cruel, unforgiving president of Panem — and his experiences mentoring a young Hunger Games tribute from the poverty-stricken District 12, Lucy Gray Baird. Unfortunately for Coriolanus, he develops a particularly close bond with Lucy, who turns out to be a talented, charming songstress — and a formidable opponent in the Games themselves.

The film also stars Hunter Schafer as Coriolanus’ sister Tigris, Peter Dinklage as Academy dean and Hunger Games architect Casca Highbottom, Viola Davis as head Gamemaker Dr. Volumnia Gaul, and Jason Schwartzman as exuberant TV host Lucretis “Lucky” Flickerman. Spanning a large swath of Coriolanus’ life, “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” is yet another violent, twisted, and deeply emotional story from original series author Suzanne Collins … and the film adaptation, helmed by “Catching Fire” and “Mockingjay” director Francis Lawrence, promises to be a worthy entry into the canon.

“The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” arrives in theaters on November 17, 2023.