The Unbelievable Story Behind Viola Davis' Surprising Role in The Hunger Games Prequel Movie

Summary

Director Francis Lawrence discovered Viola Davis's potential for a scary antagonist role in The Hunger Games prequel after seeing a meme featuring her as a slasher villain.

Davis' portrayal of Volumnia Gaul in The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes showcases an exceptionally commanding presence. This prequel film, lasting 157 minutes, delves deep into the untold history of Panem and President Snow's origins. Through the spotlight given to characters like Gaul, it weaves together a captivating backstory, enriching the world of The Hunger Games.

Francis Lawrence, the director of The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, has shared how a horror-themed meme featuring Viola Davis helped her secure a role in the upcoming prequel. The latest addition to the franchise focuses on a young Coriolanus Snow (played by Tom Blyth) and his role as a mentor to Lucy (portrayed by Rachel Zegler) from District 12 during the 10th Hunger Games. One significant character in the film is gamemaker Volumnia Gaul, played by Davis.

During an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Lawrence revealed that a meme featuring Davis' character from The Help transformed into a slasher villain played a pivotal part in him recognizing her potential as a terrifying antagonist. Below, you can find Lawrence's exact words and the image that influenced Davis' casting.

It was a piece of fan art, and someone had edited, possibly using Photoshop, an image of her standing next to a window. It could potentially be a still from The Help, but she had this slightly sinister little smile, and they had created a fake horror movie poster with her as the antagonist. I thought to myself, 'Wow, you know what? She could be perfect for this.' She possesses a certain gravitas, yet she also has the ability to be playful and quirky, encompassing all those qualities. It would be a departure from her usual roles. She hasn't really explored this kind of character much before.

Everything To Expect From The Ballad Of Songbirds & Snakes

Davis' Gaul is just one of several intriguing new characters in The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes who will vividly portray Panem's rich history. Joining the stellar cast are Peter Dinklage (known for his role in Game of Thrones), Jason Schwartzman (from Spider-Man: Across the Spider-verse), Fionnula Flanagan (featured in Brotherhood), and Burn Gorman (renowned for Turn: Washington's Spies), among others. Without a doubt, it is evident that Davis' character will stand out as one of the most commanding figures in the film.

The movie revolves around Snow's relationship with Lucy, as he strives to ensure her victory in that year's Hunger Games. Additionally, the film serves as an origin story, delving into Snow's journey towards becoming the antagonistic president of Panem, as depicted in the other The Hunger Games movies. This provides an opportunity to delve into the untold history of Panem and Snow, offering a fresh experience within the franchise.

Given The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes' lengthy 157-minute runtime, there will be ample exploration of Snow and Panem's past. This also means that characters like Gaul may receive their own moments in the spotlight, creating a vivid and dynamic backstory for The Hunger Games world. With Davis and a talented cast of seasoned actors embodying new characters, the possibilities for the prequel film are endless.

Source: EW; Viola Davis/Instagram