Young Coriolanus Snow comes alive in Hunger Games prequel - Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

2023-10-03 13:02:03

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Hunger Games Prequel "Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes" Brings Young Coriolanus Snow to Life

The director of the upcoming adaptation of Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games prequel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, shared insight into the casting process. Rachel Zegler, known for her role in West Side Story, was the top choice to play the lead, Lucy Gray Baird. However, Zegler ultimately turned down the role due to scheduling conflicts. Another West Side Story actor, Josh Andrés Rivera, was selected to portray Coriolanus' pal and classmate, Sejanus Plinth. The prequel explores the origin story of President Coriolanus Snow.

Choosing the Right Cast

The director, Francis Lawrence, expressed his confidence in Rachel Zegler's potential as Lucy Gray Baird after a lengthy discussion during a lunch meeting. However, Zegler declined the role due to her prior commitment to the filming of Snow White. On the other hand, Lawrence was pleasantly surprised to discover that Josh Andrés Rivera, who had already been cast in West Side Story, was Zegler's boyfriend. This coincidence led to Rivera's selection as Sejanus Plinth in The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.

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Exploring the Origins of a Villain

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes delves into the backstory of President Coriolanus Snow, portrayed by Donald Sutherland in the original Hunger Games films. Francis Lawrence, together with producer Nina Jacobson, had contemplated exploring the origins of the survival-of-the-fittest games even before Collins released her prequel novel. They were initially concerned about centering a story around a reviled character but recognized the potential for rich and complex storytelling by examining how villains are not born evil. The prequel introduces a younger version of President Snow and features Tom Blyth as the leading male actor.

A Captivating Storyline

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is set 60 years before the events of the original Hunger Games trilogy. It follows the 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow during his final year at the Academy in Panem's Capitol. Facing financial difficulties caused by the first civil war, the Snow family sees the Hunger Games as an opportunity to secure their position. Coriolanus becomes a mentor to Lucy Gray Baird, a tribute from District 12. As they navigate the brutalities of the games, a complicated relationship develops between them.

Anticipating the Release

The director and producer acknowledge the challenge of telling a Hunger Games story without the iconic character Katniss Everdeen, portrayed by Jennifer Lawrence. However, they believe that the audience's appetite for exploring a villain's origin story will make The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes an appealing addition to the franchise. With a talented cast, compelling characters, and intricate storytelling, this prequel promises to captivate fans when it hits theaters on November 17.

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