With “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” Lionsgate is bringing “The Hunger Games” universe back to life with a new cast that includes some well-known characters.
The movie is an adaptation of Suzanne Collins’s novel of the same name, which is the author of “The Hunger Games.” It is set 64 years before the original film and revolves around the 10th Annual Hunger Games. A notable director returning for his fourth film is Francis Lawrence, who directed “Catching Fire” and both parts of “Mockingjay.”
Although some of the characters and their unusual names might be well-known to you, “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” presents a completely new cast of characters.
The ensemble stars Rachel Zegler, the breakout star of “West Side Story,” as District 12 Tribute Lucy Gray Baird, Tom Blyth as his beloved cousin Tigris, and Hunter Schafer from “Euphoria” as his pre-Presidential Coriolanus Snow. Discover more about “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” cast and characters below.
Tom Blyth is playing as Coriolanus Snow
“The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” which takes place 64 years before the events in “The Hunger Games,” offers an insight into the early years of Coriolanus Snow, who is portrayed by Tom Blyth (“Billy the Kid”).
The future president of Panem, confronted with his family’s waning influence, agrees to serve as a mentor in the 10th Annual Hunger Games. His objective is to lead his tribute and, in doing so, ensure the tributes and his triumph.
Rachel Zegler is Lucy Gray Baird, and Hunter Schafer is Tigris
The future lead actress in “Snow White,” Rachel Zegler, plays Lucy Gray Baird in “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.” As the District 12 tribute to Coriolanus, Lucy Gray is distinguished by her charm, wit, and abilities, even though she lacks some of her competitors’ fighting or physical prowess.
Tigris, played by “Euphoria” star Hunter Schafer, is another well-known character from the original “Hunger Games” films, although Coriolanus Snow is the most well-known.
Coriolanus’s confidante and cousin Tigris are instrumental in his efforts to reestablish their family’s prosperity and status. Tigris’ final appearance in “Mockingjay – Part 2” showed her as a tiger-like woman with tattoos who helped Katniss infiltrate the Capitol and was deeply enraged with President Snow.
In the prequel, expect to see a very different version of this unique character.
Peter Dinklage is Casca Highbottom, and Josh Andrés Rivera plays Sejanus Plinth
Renowned actor Peter Dinklage, who is best known for his work on “Game of Thrones,” plays Casca Highbottom in “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.”
In addition to being the creator of The Hunger Games, Dean of the Academy, and rival to Coriolanus, Highbottom is addicted to morphling. Josh Andrés Rivera, who appeared in “West Side Story,” is the character portraying Sejanus Plinth.
Coriolanus is friends with Sejanus, a fellow mentor in the 10th Hunger Games, who has a more sympathetic outlook on the tributes.
Jason Schwartzman as Lucky Flickerman
There was Lucky before there was Caesar Flickerman. As the first-ever Hunger Games host, Lucky Flickerman, Jason Schwartzman plays the part.
The reason the name sounds familiar is that it is the same as that of Caesar Flickerman, played by Stanley Tucci in the film adaptations, who was a charming host during Katniss and Peeta’s games.
What is The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, the Hunger Games about?
The acclaimed young adult dystopian series that captured our interest is back, this time taking place 64 years earlier during the 10th Hunger Games.
The prequel to “The Hunger Games,” “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” promises to expand on the world of Panem by delving into its turbulent politics and harsh customs and presenting viewers with a fresh cast of characters from a time long before Katniss’s. While some characters are completely new, others have names that you might recognize.
The story mostly focuses on President Snow’s formative years, giving us a glimpse into his past and giving us a better understanding of the despotic figure we have come to know and fear.
Filmed by Francis Lawrence and based on Suzanne Collins’ 2020 novel, “The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes” made its theatrical and IMAX debut on Friday, November 17.
