"Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes" Gets Trailer and Poster

Lionsgate released Thursday the poster and trailer for “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” a prequel set in the “Hunger Games” universe.

It is based on Suzanne Collins’ book, “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” and serves as an origin story of Coriolanus Snow and the Hunger Games event. 

The prequel takes place decades — 64 years, to be precise — and follows young Coriolanus Snow (who eventually becomes the tyrannical president of Panem) takes the spotlight as he is chosen to mentor an impoverished tribute named Lucy Gray Baird during the 10th Hunger Games. 

In the novel, the unassuming Lucy Gray Baird, a tribute from District 12, who Snow is assigned to mentor through the game. She sparks everyone’s attention by singing during the reaping ceremony. With her talent and charm, Snow believes he may be able to turn the odds in their favor to win the games.

West Side Story breakout star Rachel Zegler will play Baird and the “Billy the Kid” star Tom Blyth will portray young Coriolanus Snow. 

Other cast members include Peter Dinklage, Hunter Shcaefer, Josh Andres Rivera, Jason Schwartzman, and Viola Davis.

Additional cast includes Max Raphael, Zoe Renee, Ayomide Adegun, Kaitlyn Akinpelumi, Amelie Hoeferle, Sofia Sanchez, Nick Benson, Laurel Marsden, Lilly Cooper, Luna Steeples, Hiroki Berrecloth, Irene Boehm, Cooper Dillon, Luna Kuse, Kjell Brutscheidt, Dimitri Abold, Athena Strates, Dakota Shapiro, George Somner, and Vaughan Reilly. 

Filmmaker Francis Lawrence, who directed “Catching Fire” and both “Mockingjay” movies, will return to direct. Moreover, Collins will write the movie’s treatment, while Michael Arndt will adapt the screenplay. Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson will serve as producers.

"The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes" marks the fifth film installment of the franchise. The prequel focuses on Coriolanus Snow, who fans first met as President Snow, during Panem's tenth Hunger Games, about 64 years prior to The Hunger Games. It follows Coriolanus as he mentors District 12's female tribute, Lucy Gray Baird. 

"The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes" will hit theatres on November 17.  You can watch the trailer below: