Viola Davis Mesmerizes as a Villain in Exclusive Sneak Peek of 'Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes'

With Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbird and Snakes, the Capitol awaits the return of an eager audience, introducing new faces prepared to enter the arena. The film, directed by Francis Lawrence, a familiar figure in the franchise, maintains a similar essence, although it embarks on a fresh narrative following Tom Blyth as Coriolanus and Rachel Zegler as Lucy. Transporting us back in time, the movie delves into the origins of President Snow, unveiling the events that shaped him into the ruthless man we recognize.

As the highly-anticipated release approaches, we are granted a captivating glimpse into this new world and its compelling characters through various images and trailers. In line with this, the creators have unveiled an enticing clip from the film, introducing Viola Davis as Dr. Volumnia Gaul and Peter Dinklage as Dean Casca Highbottom. The clip commences with Gaul addressing the "leaders of the next generation," while Coriolanus listens with considerable unease. Gaul proceeds to introduce Highbottom, the mastermind behind the Hunger Games, who takes a quick sip from his flask before embarking on the 10th annual reaping ceremony.

'The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes' Features an Array of Interesting Characters

Image via Lionsgate

In the upcoming prequel, Blyth portrays Snow, a younger version of the character in a post-war Capitol. Snow finds himself in a struggle to uphold his family name and unexpectedly falls for his mentee Lucy from District 12. The story will reveal whether Lucy proves to be a songbird or a snake. Additionally, Lawrence hints at Dr. Gaul, the sinister game maker, drawing inspiration from Gene Wilder's portrayal of Willy Wonka in "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory," which is evident in the new clip.

The film features an exceptional ensemble cast, including Hunter Schafer as Tigris Snow, Josh Andrés Rivera as Sejanus Plinth, Jason Schwartzman as Lucretius "Lucky" Flickerman, Fionnula Flanagan as Grandma'am – Coriolanus, Tigris' strict grandmother. It also includes Burn Gorman as Commander Hoff and Ashley Liao as Clemensia Dovecote, among others.

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is set to be released worldwide on November 17. Watch the new teaser below:

Currently, the first four Hunger Games movies can be streamed on Hulu in the U.S.

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The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

Witness the prequel to The Hunger Games as it delves into the origins of Panem's tyrannical President, Coriolanus Snow. In The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, we follow a young and desperate Snow who must mentor District 12 tribute, Lucy Gray Baird. As Snow's family reputation crumbles and his own future hangs in the balance, he seizes an opportunity to alter their destinies by aligning himself with Lucy Gray. Facing internal struggles between good and evil, Snow embarks on a high-stakes race to survive and unveil his true nature.

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

Genres: Sci-Fi, Drama, Thriller

Writers: Michael Lesslie, Michael Arndt, Suzanne Collins