The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes – Origins of a Tyrant
London, 9 January 2026 – The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, released in 2023, served as a prequel to the iconic dystopian series, delving into the early life of Coriolanus Snow, the future President of Panem, as he mentored a tribute in the tenth annual Hunger Games.
Plot and Themes
Set 64 years before the events of the original Hunger Games trilogy, the film followed 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow, a student from the Capitol, who was assigned to mentor Lucy Gray Baird, a talented singer from impoverished District 12. As Snow navigated the brutal Games, he grappled with themes of power, loyalty, and moral decay, ultimately transforming from an ambitious youth into the calculating villain audiences knew from the earlier films. The story highlighted the origins of Panem’s oppressive regime, blending romance, survival, and political intrigue.
Cast and Production
Tom Blyth portrayed the young Coriolanus Snow, delivering a nuanced performance that traced his character’s descent into tyranny. Rachel Zegler starred as Lucy Gray Baird, bringing charisma and vocal talent to the role. The supporting cast included Viola Davis as the ruthless Gamemaker Dr. Volumnia Gaul, Peter Dinklage as Dean Casca Highbottom, and Jason Schwartzman as the flamboyant announcer Lucretius “Lucky” Flickerman. Directed by Francis Lawrence, who helmed the previous three Hunger Games films, the production was filmed in Poland and Germany, with a budget of $100 million, earning $361 million worldwide at the box office.
Key Facts / Stats
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Date | 17 November 2023 (US), 16 November 2023 (Europe) |
| Runtime | 157 minutes |
| Box Office Gross | $361,791,134 worldwide |
| Director | Francis Lawrence |
| Lead Actors | Tom Blyth (Coriolanus Snow), Rachel Zegler (Lucy Gray Baird) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes based on a book?
Yes, it is adapted from Suzanne Collins’ 2020 novel of the same name, which serves as a prequel to the original Hunger Games trilogy.
Will there be a sequel to The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes?
As of 2026, no official sequel has been announced, though discussions have centred on potential future instalments depending on Collins’ writing. A separate prequel, Sunrise on the Reaping, focusing on Haymitch Abernathy, was released in 2025.
What is the significance of the song “The Hanging Tree” in the film?
The song, performed by Lucy Gray, is revealed to have been written by her and later became iconic in the original trilogy, symbolising rebellion and the mockingjay motif.