Producer Explains Hunger Games Prequel's Unique and Innovating Path for the Franchise
Producer Nina Jacobson introduces a groundbreaking Hunger Games prequel, taking the franchise in an exhilarating and unique direction As the visionary behind the series, Jacobson's guidance promises an entirely fresh and captivating experience for fans
Undoubtedly, it can be said that the Hunger Games movie franchise is Nina Jacobson's brainchild. Following her dismissal from her position as the head of Buena Vista Pictures for Disney in 2006, Jacobson ventured out independently with her production company, Color Force, and the initial Hunger Games film was one of their earliest projects. This decision proved to be successful.
Before the highly anticipated release of the exceptional franchise prequel, The Hunger Games: A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, I had the opportunity to interview Jacobson about her return to a franchise that she believed had concluded, and how this prequel significantly alters the franchise's formula in the most favorable ways.
"We believed we had shared our stories and concluded the production of Hunger Games movies. Prequels or sequels were not part of our initial agenda," explained Jacobson. "Our hope was that if Suzanne Collins, the author of Hunger Games, had a compelling narrative to unfold within this universe, it would be wonderful. However, if she didn't, we were content with what we already had and considered ourselves fortunate."
Soon after the release of Mockingjay Part 2 in 2015, they didn't have to wait for long before progress resumed. Jacobson reveals that in 2019, Collins contacted them, disclosing her plans for a prequel novel that takes place 64 years prior to the original book. The novel would primarily revolve around President Snow, the primary antagonist of the series.
This was an exhilarating and slightly frightening experience, particularly because I knew from the beginning that I despised the character I would be reading about. The challenge was not to justify or forgive him but to create an emotional connection, allowing me to step into his shoes and witness his transformation from a boy to a man. It was a pivotal moment when he had to navigate conflicting forces and make decisions that defined his identity and beliefs. Throughout the story, he remained torn and conflicted until the very end," Jacobson expressed.
"Moreover, there was a moment when he finally emerged as the Snow we may be familiar with. It was a deeply satisfying journey. Additionally, I found it thrilling to delve into the origins of the games and discover his history with District 12. This book and the making of this movie completely changed my perspective on the previous films and books," Jacobson added.
While still recognizable as a Hunger Games movie, A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes deviates significantly from the original story. Notably, the tributes in this installment are housed in a zoo with no care or provisions, lacking the celebrity treatment received by Katniss and Peeta. These changes represent the essence of the narrative, serving as a foundation for the eventual evolution of the Hunger Games under Snow's leadership. However, the utmost importance lies in its ability to introduce novelty, as these games differ greatly from those in which Katniss will eventually participate years later. Consequently, A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes stands out as a unique and distinct addition to the franchise.
Jacobson explained that one of the biggest challenges in the theatrical industry is the constant feeling of repetition and recycling. Their goal was to create a movie that could stand alone and provide a rewarding experience for both new viewers and die-hard fans. They aimed to make the movie distinct and fresh, avoiding any sense of it being a rehash. They also wanted it to feel connected to the existing movies, while delivering a unique set of emotions.
A notable departure from the usual formula is the introduction of Lucy Gray Baird, the protagonist tribute, who is a talented singer and performs several exceptional musical numbers throughout the film.
The inclusion of music in the movie is a significant departure. Music has always held great importance in films, but the character of Lucy Gray is unique in her desire to perform and showcase her talent on stage. Jacobson expressed this sentiment while mentioning that the timing for a new Hunger Games is ideal, with the added factor of renewed interest from new fans due to the availability of the previous movies on Netflix.
The release of the series on Netflix has been exhilarating in recent months. As the entire series became available, fans on TikTok, YouTube, and other platforms expressed their incredible creativity through mashups and artwork, forming an amazing fan community. It's been thrilling to witness the return of loyal fans, filled with nostalgia, as well as witnessing a new generation discovering and embracing the series for the first time. Stay tuned for the highly anticipated release of The Hunger Games: A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes in theaters on November 17.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z netizen, I am excited about the upcoming Hunger Games prequel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. The original Hunger Games trilogy was a groundbreaking and thought-provoking series that captivated audiences around the world, and I am eager to see what this new film will bring to the table.
I think it's great that the prequel will focus on President Snow, the primary antagonist of the original series. Snow is a complex and fascinating character, and I'm excited to learn more about his backstory and how he became the ruthless dictator we see in the original films. I also think it's interesting that the film will take place 64 years before the original book, as this will give us a chance to see a very different Panem.
