Director draws parallels between Donald Sutherland and Tom Blyth’s President Snow in Hunger Games

President Snow's fall has been witnessed by many, and now it's time to witness his rise once again in the upcoming Hunger Games prequel film, The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. Join us as we welcome you to the 10th Annual Hunger Games.

Released in 2020, this prequel novel explores the origin story of President Snow and the formation of the Hunger Games. With the highly anticipated movie approaching, excitement is mounting among fans. Delving into the intriguing concept of a dictator's rise, Tom Blyth will step into the shoes of Coriolanus Snow, previously portrayed by Donald Sutherland. To shed light on their performances, the movie's director and producer hold the key.

Hunger Games director and producer compare Snow in Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes

In an interview with Dexerto, Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes director Francis Lawrence and producer Nina Jacobson discussed the differences between the two Snow actors.

Lawrence, Sutherland, and Blyth differ greatly for several reasons. When selecting Tom for the role, I aimed for some minimal physical resemblances, but I did not want him to imitate Donald Sutherland in any way. Instead, I wanted Tom to bring his own interpretation to the character, as Snow is portrayed at a young and impressionable age. As a result, Tom and I discussed and embarked on a distinct and unique journey, exploring different themes and subject matters.

“So when it comes to dealing with Donald, he is not only an actor of a unique kind but also possesses a distinct character that is fully developed, with embedded philosophies. Consequently, engaging with him leads to entirely contrasting experiences.”

Jacobson noted that there were several physical similarities between Tom, who was cast as young Coriolanus Snow, and Donald Sutherland, who portrayed the older version of the character. However, he acknowledged that there were certain features, such as the shape of the face and eyes, that needed to be believable for the character's growth. He emphasized that hair color was not as important as the overall transformation into the older version of President Snow.

According to Jacobson, for Tom to successfully play Snow, he needed to portray both hero and villain, constantly torn between the two. He mentioned that Tom possessed the necessary skills and composure for the role, while also highlighting his exceptional craftsmanship.

Experience the prequel of the Hunger Games series, "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes", as it takes you through the captivating story of 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow. Before he becomes the ruthless leader of Panem, Snow finds himself as the last hope for his fading lineage. Assigned to mentor Lucy Gray Baird from District 12, they must utilize their showmanship and political prowess to navigate the upcoming 10th annual Hunger Games. Together, they embark on a thrilling race against time to uncover the true nature of their counterparts - distinguishing the songbirds from the snakes. Don't miss the opportunity to witness this gripping tale, now playing in cinemas. For more Hunger Games content, explore our selection below.

Editor's P/S

As an enthusiastic fan of the Hunger Games series, I am thrilled to see the upcoming prequel film, The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. The prequel novel, released in 2020, delves into the origin story of President Snow, one of the most iconic villains in literature. I am particularly interested in seeing how the film will portray Snow's transformation from a young and impressionable man into the ruthless dictator we know him to be.

The director, Francis Lawrence, and producer, Nina Jacobson, have a challenging task ahead of them in bringing Snow's story to life. They must find the right balance between showing Snow's vulnerability and his capacity for evil. I believe they have made an excellent choice in casting Tom Blyth as the young Snow. Blyth has the charisma and acting chops to pull off this complex role. I am also excited to see Donald Sutherland reprise his role as the older Snow. Sutherland's performance in the original Hunger Games films was truly unforgettable, and I am eager to see what he brings to the prequel.