Once upon a time, Lionsgate announced that a film for The Hunger Games prequel The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes would be in development. The announcement came shortly after author Suzanne Collins confirmed the novel’s publishing date of May 19, 2020. However, we’re happy to report that there has been an update! At this year’s CinemaCon, Lionsgate (finally) confirmed a release date of November 17, 2023, so it looks like Hunger Games fans won’t have to wait much longer.
What We Know About The Hunger Games Prequel So Far
To bring everyone up to speed, Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes will be a movie that focuses on a teenage Coriolanus Snow who develops feelings for a tribute he mentors from District 12. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Lionsgate released the following synopsis during the film’s official announcement: “In this return to The Hunger Games, years before he would become the tyrannical President of Panem, 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow sees a chance for a change in fortunes when he is chosen to be a mentor to Lucy Gray Baird, the girl tribute from impoverished District 12.”
The movie will come first in the chronological storytelling of the films, followed by The Hunger Games (2012), The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013), The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 (2014), and the last, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 (2015). Director Francis Lawrence is expected to return to the director’s seat, making the Hunger Games prequel his 4th Hunger Games film.
Some Background On The Best-Selling Novel
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes gives readers a 528-page in-depth look into the life of Coriolanus Snow, which details the inspiration behind his villainous behavior. Critics have described the book as “brilliant,” “suspenseful,” and “perfectly paced,” with some declaring it the best book of the best-selling YA series.
