Never mind that it’s been almost eight years since “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2” hit theaters. After Suzanne Collins published “The Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes” in 2020, a prequel to her hit YA sci-fi series “The Hunger Games” was all but guaranteed Lionsgate would make a movie of it. And now that time has come: the fifth installment of “The Hunger Games” hits theaters this November, focusing on a young President Coriolanus Snow’s rise to power in Panem.
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Here’s an official synopsis of the film, courtesy of Lionsgate:
Years before he becomes the tyrannical president of Panem, 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow sees a chance for a change in fortunes when he mentors Lucy Gray Baird, the female tribute from District 12.
“The Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes” sees Tom Blyth take over the role of Coriolanus Snow (Donald Sutherland plays him in the first four installments) while Rachel Zegler plays Lucy Gray Baird. The film also stars Josh Andrés Rivera, Hunter Schaefer, Peter Dinklage, Viola Davis, and Jason Schwartzman. Burn Gorman, Fionnula Flanagan, Ashley Liao, and Max Rafael round out the main cast.
Francis Lawrence returns to “The Hunger Games” franchise to direct “Songbirds And Snakes.” Michael Ardnt and Michale Lesslie adapt Collins’ novel for the big screen. Lawrence co-produces the film with Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson.
So will “The Hunger Games: The Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes” marks a successful return of Lionsgate’s franchise? Find out when the film hits theaters on November 17. Watch a trailer for the film below.