Viola Davis's Requested Change in The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes: A Behind-the-Scenes Insight

Summary

Viola Davis requested that her character, Dr. Volumnia Gaul, have different colored eyes in The Hunger Games film. They decided on "hazy" dark brown and "piercing blue" eyes.

Dr. Gaul, the Head Gamemaker for the 10th Hunger Games, is infamous for his role in conducting sadistic experiments and creating grotesque creatures within a hidden laboratory.

Viola Davis undergoes a striking physical metamorphosis to portray her first villainous character, drawing inspiration from the eccentricities of Willy Wonka and the malevolence of Dr. Frankenstein.

Viola Davis, star of The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, made a specific request for Dr. Volumnia Gaul's appearance in the film, according to makeup designer Sherri Berman Laurence. The movie is a prequel that follows the story of a young Coriolanus Snow and his journey to becoming the tyrannical president of Panem, with a focus on his relationship with tribute Lucy Gray Baird. Viola Davis joins the cast as Dr. Volumnia Gaul, the Head Gamemaker during the 10th Hunger Games.

During an interview with People prior to the release of Hunger Games: Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, Laurence revealed a special request from Davis regarding the appearance of Dr. Gaul, a character not found in Suzanne Collins' prequel book. The makeup designer mentioned that the actress specifically asked for her character to have different colored eyes. After careful consideration, they settled on a "hazy" dark brown and a "piercing blue," possibly as a result of an experiment gone awry. Additionally, the makeup and prosthetics teams worked on making Davis look older by incorporating facial scars. Below is Laurence's description:

The combination of the hairstyle, costume, and those unique eyes truly transformed Davis into a frightening character. Adding her exceptional acting skills to the mix... I mean, it was absolutely captivating. The entire set would fall into complete silence when she walked on.

Who is Dr. Volumnia Gaul? Viola Davis' Hunger Games Character Explained

Professor Volumnia Gaul, a renowned scholar at the University, assumes the role of Head Gamemaker in the 10th Hunger Games. While not directly responsible for their creation, she is recognized for the introduction of their notorious cruelty. Utilizing her expertise in obstetrics and biology, Dr. Gaul secretly breeds grotesque mutations in an underground laboratory, demonstrating her utter disregard for human life. Her influential contribution to the Hunger Games saga lies in her indoctrination of Snow into a world of deceit and authoritarian rule, fueled by her unwavering belief in a totalitarian government.

In the Hunger Games prequel, The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, the illustrious Viola Davis brings Dr. Gaul to life. With an impressive record of four Academy Award nominations and a talent for portraying ruthless villains, such as Amanda Waller in the DC Extended Universe, Davis takes on a physically transformative role for the first time. Dr. Gaul's eccentric appearance, drawing inspiration from the likes of Willy Wonka and Dr. Frankenstein, promises to deliver a delightfully wicked villain in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.

Source: People