The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes: A New Chapter in The Hunger Games Franchise

Sam Claflin's Review

The Hunger Games star Sam Claflin, who portrayed Finnick in the original series, has offered a review for the series' latest installment, The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. The new movie takes place decades before Katniss Everdeen is born, focusing on a young Coriolanus Snow and his rise to power in Panem. This includes a focus on his time as a mentor within the Games, and his tragic relationship with District 12 tribute Lucy Gray.

Tom Blyth as Coriolanus Snow looking shocked and Rachel Zegler as Lucy Gray Baird in the Arena in Hunger Games The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

Speaking with MTV at the Golden Globes, Claflin offered up a positive review of Songbirds & Snakes. The actor praised Rachel Zegler for her role as Lucy Gray, as well as Tom Blyth for his portrayal of Snow and Francis Lawrence for his directing. Claflin's review emphasizes the unique premise of the movie and its potential impact on the franchise.

Twitter article posted by MTV

The Impact of The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes

Claflin's review of The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes emphasizes its placement as a strong entry within the franchise. Blyth and Zegler lead a story that offers a sympathetic look at Snow's transformation into a tyrant, a much different take than Katniss' freedom fighting. Because of how unique a premise the story has compared to the main series, it stands out from the rest of the films.

The exploration of how Snow changes throughout Songbirds & Snakes emphasizes the way it leads into the rest of the franchise, including Finnick's future Hunger Games participation. Without the number of alterations Panem's President made to how the Games are broadcast, they wouldn't become the disturbing phenomenon of the main franchise. Offering context to these changes gives a deeper backstory to the franchise's setting.

The praise Claflin and others have offered the film could also encourage future movies beyond The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. This could include exploring other character's backstories - possibly Finnick - in greater detail than were established in the original films. However, any future endeavors for the franchise would have to be penned by author Suzanne Collins, who could no doubt produce another story worthy of praise.

Availability of The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes is now available to purchase digitally, allowing fans to delve into the prequel that sheds light on the origins of Panem's tyrannical ruler. With the captivating performances of Rachel Zegler and Tom Blyth, and the skillful direction of Francis Lawrence, the movie promises to be an enriching addition to The Hunger Games franchise.