Promoting 'The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes': Spotlighting the Stars

Article Summary

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes has reached an agreement with SAG-AFTRA for the cast to promote the movie during the ongoing strike.

Rachel Zegler will be portraying Lucy Gray Baird in the upcoming prequel, delving into her connection with Coriolanus Snow.

Under the new agreement, the remaining cast members, which include Peter Dinklage, Hunter Schafer, and Viola Davis, are now permitted to actively promote the film and engage in interviews to talk about their respective characters.

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes has reached an agreement with SAG-AFTRA to promote the movie amidst an ongoing strike for improved working rights. As reported by Variety, the cast of the upcoming prequel will have the opportunity to promote the release through interviews and new content for the studio's social media channels. Rumors suggest that the strike may soon come to an end, but regardless, this agreement ensures that the movie can be promoted leading up to its November 17 release date.

In the film, Rachel Zegler portrays Lucy Gray Baird, a tribute from District 12 who is a member of a traveling music group. Her life takes a transformative turn when she encounters Coriolanus Snow (played by Tom Blyth), the young man destined to become the feared antagonist from the original Hunger Games movies featuring Jennifer Lawrence. The bond between these newfound friends alters their perspective on the world as they become entangled in yet another brutal iteration of the tournament that claimed countless lives in Panem throughout the years.

The rest of the cast, including Peter Dinklage, Hunter Schafer, and Viola Davis, will also have the opportunity to promote the prequel under the new agreement. Dinklage will take on the role of Cas Highbottom, the Dean of the Academy who conceived the idea for the Hunger Games. In contrast, Schafer will portray Tigris Snow, Coriolanus's cousin and his most trusted confidant at the start of the story. In interviews and promotional featurettes, the actors will now have the chance to delve into their characters and discuss them in detail.

Image via Lionsgate

Panem and The Hunger Games Are Back

Following a hiatus of almost a decade since The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2 concluded Katniss Everdeen's (Lawrence) tale, the franchise finally awakens as Lionsgate embarks on a new journey within this fantastical world, albeit from a different era. Francis Lawrence returns as director for the prequel, having previously helmed the majority of the original film series. Audiences are about to delve into the backstory of the individual who once made Katniss' existence unbearably challenging, a pivotal figure in Panem's history.

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes will premiere in theaters in the United States on November 17.

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

Release Date: November 17, 2023

Director: Francis Lawrence

Cast: Rachel Zegler, Hunter Schafer, Viola Davis, Tom Blyth, Peter Dinklage, Jason Schwartzman, Burn Gorman, Fionnula Flanagan

Rating: PG-13

Runtime: 165 minutes

Main Genre: Sci-Fi

Genres: Sci-Fi, Drama, Thriller

Writers: Michael Lesslie, Michael Arndt, Suzanne Collins

Production Company: Color Force, Good Universe, Lionsgate

Editor's P/S

As an enthusiastic fan of "The Hunger Games" series, I am thrilled about the upcoming prequel, "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes." The original trilogy captivated me with its intricate world-building, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes. This prequel promises to expand the franchise in exciting ways by exploring the origins of the infamous President Snow.

Rachel Zegler's casting as Lucy Gray Baird is particularly inspired. Her performance in "West Side Story" showcased her remarkable talent and charisma, and I believe she will bring depth and nuance to the role. Tom Blyth is also an exciting choice for young Coriolanus Snow. He has the charisma and intensity needed to portray the character's transformation from an ambitious student into a ruthless dictator.

The supporting cast is equally impressive, with Peter Dinklage, Hunter Schafer, and Viola Davis all bringing their unique talents to the table. I am particularly intrigued by Dinklage's portrayal of Cas Highbottom, the Dean of the Academy who conceived the idea for the Hunger Games. His character is sure to be a complex and morally ambiguous figure, and I am eager to see how Dinklage brings him to life.

Overall, I am confident that "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes" will be a worthy addition to the "Hunger Games" franchise. The story has the potential to explore timely themes of power, corruption, and the human cost of violence. I cannot wait to see this new chapter unfold on the big screen.