Villain origin stories are a contentious proposition, but franchises seem to love them. The latest offering in that department? A President Snow-focused prequel movie for The Hunger Games. Titled The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, the movie will be an “adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ #1 New York Times bestseller.” The Hunger Games‘ prequel has also found its lead. Tom Blyth will play a young President Coriolanus Snow in the movie.
A release for the series shares more about the role and movie. It notes:
Years before he would become the tyrannical President of Panem, 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow is the last hope for his fading lineage, a once-proud family that has fallen from grace in a post-war Capitol. With the 10th annual Hunger Games fast approaching, the young Snow is alarmed when he is assigned to mentor Lucy Gray Baird, the girl tribute from impoverished District 12. But, after Lucy Gray commands all of Panem’s attention by defiantly singing during the reaping ceremony, Snow thinks he might be able to turn the odds in their favor. Uniting their instincts for showmanship and newfound political savvy, Snow and Lucy’s race against time to survive will ultimately reveal who is a songbird, and who is a snake.
Well, the jig on that one is a little bit up. We’re not sure it’s ever the best time to glamorize a tyrannical politician. But hopefully, the film can use this opportunity wisely to portray its main character. We hope we don’t so much root for President Snow as end up watching him embrace monstrosity with horror.
According to the release, “the film will be directed by Francis Lawrence, who previously directed the franchise’s Catching Fire, Mockingjay Part One, and Mockingjay Part Two.” Additionally, “it will be shepherded by franchise producer Nina Jacobson and her producing partner Brad Simpson, along with Francis Lawrence.” Finally, “Suzanne Collins and Tim Palen will serve as executive producers…The latest draft of the screenplay is by Michael Lesslie.” All in all, it looks like the movie rests in good hands.
Returning to Panem will 10 years after The Hunger Games‘ first movie release will offer an interesting experience. We feel interested to see who else joins the cast of the film.