What to Know Before Seeing ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes’

Get Ready For ‘The Hunger Games’ – Essential Info

Now that the prequel movie called "The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes" is available to watch, we have provided some responses to the inquiries you may have had about the entire series.

On November 17, 2023 at 7:00 in the morning Eastern Time

After an eight-year hiatus, the "Hunger Games" franchise returns in full force with a brand-new feature called "The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes." Based on a novel released in 2020 by Suzanne Collins - the mastermind behind the original "Hunger Games" - this movie serves as a prequel, with the events set 64 years prior to the first film.

If you don't have a clear memory of what happened in the past or if you have never watched the previous films, don't worry. Here's a summary to refresh your memory before you start this new adventure in a world of hardship.

How much time has been put into this project?

Even before Collins completed her book, a plan had been made to turn it into a movie. Lionsgate, the production company responsible for the original movies, expressed an interest in potential spinoffs in 2017. Collins took advantage of this and contacted Francis Lawrence, who directed the previous three films, to discuss an adaptation of her prequel novel that she was still writing at the time.

Is it necessary for me to view the previous movies prior to watching this particular one?

Whether or not to watch this prequel is a matter of discussion. The plot can stand on its own and be enjoyable for viewers who have little knowledge of the original story. You won't be completely confused, but you may not notice all of the hidden references. The biggest loss would be the depth of the protagonist, Coriolanus Snow's, story.

Where can I view those films?

Presently, you can stream all four of the "Hunger Games" films on Peacock.

What did the story initially entail?

Panem is a dystopian society in which the Capitol and its leader, Coriolanus Snow, hold power over 12 subordinate districts. The Capitol blames the districts for a past rebellion that supposedly eradicated District 13. In response, the Capitol created the Hunger Games, an annual televised event that involves selecting one boy and one girl from each district to participate as "tributes" in a deadly battle royale.

Katniss, a teen from the poverty-stricken District 12, steps forward as a volunteer after her younger sister is chosen to participate in the 74th Games. She teams up with Peeta, the male tribute from her district, and is thrust into the twisted world of the Capitol and the vicious game.

Katniss, a fierce personality both on and off the battleground, becomes a political icon through her involvement in the games. Her actions have made her known as the Mockingjay, and she is linked with supporting a rebellious movement. This association makes her the chief adversary of President Snow.

What does this prequel entail?

The article is about a movie and a novel that tells the story of Coriolanus Snow's journey to becoming the president of the Capitol. The narrative depicts a younger Snow, who is a student eager to restore his family's reputation. He joins a new mentorship initiative that aims to make the 10th Hunger Games more thrilling. Moreover, Snow is assigned the duty of advising Lucy Gray Baird, the female tribute from District 12.

Although Lucy Gray has a low probability of winning the Games, Coriolanus develops a deep bond with her by aiding her in staying alive. However, his growing feelings for her and ambition to attain power creates a dilemma as he finds himself torn between doing the right thing and giving in to evil.

Did any of the actors who were part of the initial cast come back?

It's possible that due to the significant 64-year difference between the prequel and the initial movie, none of the actors from the first film appear in this installment. However, Lawrence is back to take on the directing role for the new movie.

Who are the main actors in this film?

In this blog, we learn that Tom Blyth is a fresh talent and is most recognized for his performance in the TV series "Billy the Kid." He plays the pivotal character of Coriolanus. Rachel Zegler, on the other hand, is known for her role in the modern version of "West Side Story" directed by Steven Spielberg. She shares the screen with Blyth and brings life to the character of Lucy Gray Baird.

The backup crew has some well-known actors such as Peter Dinklage, who portrays Dean Highbottom, Coriolanus' instructor in Coriolanus Academy. Viola Davis plays as Dr. Volumnia Gaul, the skilled leader of the Hunger Games. Jason Schwartzman appears as Lucky Flickerman, the host of the game, while Hunter Schafer acts as Tigris, Coriolanus' relative.

Were the initial films of high quality?

The four movies before this one made a lot of money, almost $3 billion in total all around the world. People who watched them and movie experts liked them. A person who writes for the New York Times named Manohla Dargis wrote about the second movie, "Catching Fire." They wrote that it was very important because it fit perfectly with what was happening in the world at the time. Katniss, the main character who fights back against injustice, was really important for audiences because she was different from what usually comes in adventure stories. Jennifer Lawrence, who played Katniss, became very popular around the world and helped make the movies successful at the box office.

Is there any plan to make additional movies after this latest one?

Don't get too excited, fans. This adaptation encompasses everything in Collins' prequel book, which means there's no established foundation for a potential sequel. Additionally, Lawrence expressed regret last month for dividing the final book of the initial trilogy into two movies. As a result, it's doubtful that there will be a second installment any time soon.