Hunger Games Prequel Takes an Exciting and Innovative Path, Producers Reveal
Producer Nina Jacobson promises that the Hunger Games prequel will take the beloved franchise in an exciting and innovative direction, offering a completely unique and refreshing experience for fans
The Hunger Games movie franchise can be considered producer Nina Jacobson's pride and joy. After being fired from her position at Buena Vista Pictures for Disney in 2006, Jacobson ventured out on her own with her production company, Color Force, and one of their first projects was the original Hunger Games film. Needless to say, it was a successful decision.
Prior to the highly anticipated release of The Hunger Games: A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, a remarkable prequel to the franchise, I had the opportunity to speak with Jacobson. We discussed her return to a franchise that she believed had reached its conclusion, and how this prequel manages to ingeniously reshape the franchise's formula for the better.
"We believed we had fully shared our narratives and considered the Hunger Games film series complete. There were no elaborate strategies for prequels or sequels," revealed Jacobson. "Our hope was that if Suzanne Collins, the author of the Hunger Games, had a compelling story to tell within this universe, it would be wonderful. However, if she didn't, we would appreciate what we had achieved and consider ourselves fortunate."
Nonetheless, they didn't have to wait long after the release of Mockingjay Part 2 in 2015 for new developments. In 2019, Jacobson received a call from Collins, unveiling her intentions for a prequel novel. This novel would explore events taking place 64 years prior to the original book, with a primary focus on President Snow, the prominent antagonist of the series.
"That felt both thrilling and slightly daunting, particularly when you realize you're about to delve into a book that revolves around a character you already despise. The challenge lies in not justifying or pardoning his actions, but rather in making him emotionally relatable. It grants you the opportunity to empathize with his journey, witnessing the transformation from a boy into the man he ultimately becomes amidst conflicting influences that force him to determine his identity and values. The internal struggle, the profound inner conflict, persisted until the very end," Jacobson expressed.
"Moreover, there was a pivotal moment when he emerges as the Snow we are familiar with. This experience proved to be immensely fulfilling. Additionally, it was enthralling for me to uncover the roots of the games, to delve into his backstory with District 12. It allowed me to view the previous movies and books through a fresh perspective based on the knowledge gained from reading this book and bringing it to life on screen."
A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes retains the essence of a Hunger Games movie, but it diverges significantly from the familiar storyline. Unlike Katniss and Peeta, the tributes in this tale are kept in a zoo with no provisions or special treatment. These deviations exemplify how this story sets the stage for the future evolution of the Hunger Games under Snow's leadership.
However, the crux of the matter lies in its ability to inject freshness into the narrative. The games depicted here bear little resemblance to the ones in which Katniss will partake many years later. Each aspect is distinct, making A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes a refreshing departure from the familiar formula.
According to Jacobson, one of the main challenges in the theater industry is the sense of repetition and recycling. They aimed to create a movie that could be enjoyed even without prior knowledge of the series or other works, providing a distinct and fresh experience. Additionally, they wanted the film to be rewarding for both old and new fans, while still fitting into the existing world of the movies. To achieve this, the protagonist, Lucy Gray Baird, is portrayed as a singer who showcases multiple outstanding musical performances throughout the film.
Jacobson stated that the inclusion of music in the upcoming Hunger Games movie is a significant deviation from the previous films, as music has always played a crucial role in cinema. He highlighted the uniqueness of Lucy Gray's character, a performer who aspires to take the stage, seize the microphone, and showcase her talent. In addition to these exciting elements, Jacobson believes that this is the perfect moment for a new Hunger Games film due to the renewed interest from new fans, especially since the previous movies are now available for streaming on Netflix.
It has been incredibly thrilling in recent months to witness this generation discovering the series on Netflix. The release of the entire series on Netflix has sparked an outpouring of amazing creativity from fans on platforms like TikTok and YouTube, including mashups and artwork, which has truly impressed us. We are fortunate to have such a dedicated fan community. Consequently, it is both exhilarating to witness the return of old fans and the nostalgia they experience, as well as the excitement of witnessing a new generation discovering the series for the very first time. Don't miss The Hunger Games: A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, coming to theaters on November 17.
Editor's P/S
As a hard fan of The Hunger Games franchise, I was thrilled to hear about the upcoming prequel, The Hunger Games: A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. I was initially skeptical about the idea of returning to the franchise, as I felt that the original series had come to a satisfying conclusion. However, after reading the article, I am cautiously optimistic about the new film.
Producer Nina Jacobson's comments about the prequel's innovative direction and unique story have me intrigued. I am particularly interested in seeing how the film will explore the origins of President Snow, the primary antagonist of the original series. Jacobson's promise that the film will not justify or pardon Snow's actions but will instead make him emotionally relatable is a promising sign. I am also excited to see how the film will depict the early days of the Hunger Games, before they became the brutal and oppressive event that they are in the original series.
Overall, I am cautiously optimistic about The Hunger Games: A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. I am eager to see how the film will expand upon the franchise's mythology and explore new characters and storylines. I trust that Jacobson and her team will deliver a film that is both faithful to the original series and fresh and exciting in its own right.
