Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes– Movie Cast
Rachel Zegler to Viola Davis are two of the actors playing the characters introduced in the prequel film.
The prequel centers on Snow’s former life before he became the feared President of Panem. The book, which was released in 2020, is in production with Francis Lawrence, who directed three of the four Hunger Games movies, returning to direct and produce, alongside franchise producer Nina Jacobson and her partner Brad Simpson. Author Collins and Tim Palen will executive produce. Here is a welcome to new class of characters to be introduced in the prequel, played by Tom Blyth, Rachel Zegler, Viola Davis, and others.
Tom Blyth as President Coriolanus Snow
In the original Hunger Games films, Donald Sutherland portrayed the villainous President Snow. Now Blyth (The Guilded Age) will play the younger, 18-year-old Snow in the upcoming prequel. In The Ballads of Songbirds and Snakes, the backstory of Snow’s family is detailed, from once being a part of the elite in the Capitol to ultimately losing all their wealth and status due to a war. The young Snow eventually becomes a mentor in the 10th annual Hunger Games, where he later becomes intrigued with District 12 tribute Lucy Gray Baird, wondering whether love overpowers his desire for power.
“Coriolanus Snow is many things — a survivor, a loyal friend, a cutthroat, a kid quick to fall in love, and a young man ambitious to his core,” Lawrence said in a statement. “Tom’s take on the character showed us all the complex ambiguities of this young man as he transforms into the tyrant he would become.”
Jacobson said: “Tom’s performance will fulfill and disrupt everything you think you know about Coriolanus Snow. He’s a tremendous talent who will show why Snow always lands on top.”
Rachel Zegler as Lucy Gray Baird
In the original Hunger Games films, Jennifer Lawrence was the tribute from District 12. Now in Songbirds and Snakes, the tribute competing on behalf of District 12 is Lucy Gray Baird, will be portrayed by West Side Story star Zegler.
In the prequel, Lucy is a member of traveling troupe, the Covey, who sheltered in district 12 after the rebellion collapsed. A singer-songwriter, Lucy pens “The Hanging Tree” and “Deep in the Meadow”–songs famously performed by Lawrence’s Katniss. In the prequel, Lucy and Snow form close relationship which results in Snow seemingly considering leaving behind the Capitol to join Lucy.
“When you read Suzanne’s book, Lucy Gray’s emotional intelligence, physical agility and fiercely powerful, determined singing voice shine through. Rachel embodies all of those skills — she is the perfect choice for our Lucy Gray,” Nathan Kahane, president of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, said in statement of Zegler’s casting.
