The unique Hunger Games trilogy of books—and the 4 films tailored from them—ended quite resolutely, with Katniss Everdeen main a insurrection to finish the inhumane blood sport of the video games and overthrow the evil President Snow. So when it got here time for creator Suzanne Collins to revisit the dystopian world of Panem, she went down the prequel route with The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, which was printed in 2020 and is now the latest blockbuster film within the franchise.
Much just like the Star Wars prequels, which launched a young, harmless Anakin Skywalker and adopted his evolution into the villain Darth Vader, this story takes followers again to the tenth annual Hunger Games, when Coriolanus Snow remains to be an formidable young graduate, and never the despotic overlord he’ll at some point change into. Despite residing within the relative security and luxury of the Capitol, Snow’s household have fallen on arduous instances, and so he grabs the chance to reverse their fortunes by mentoring a tribute from District 12, a nomadic folks singer named Lucy Gray Baird, who will probably be preventing within the televised battle royale.
Fans of the unique books and flicks can most likely guess the place that is all going. There are acquainted shades of forbidden romance and sophistication commentary, in addition to the compulsory reluctant-yet-gutsy heroine. But The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes can also be a singular entry within the collection for a few causes: the story is advised almost fully from the point-of-view of a way more morally compromised character, and it’s technically a musical, because of the Collins-penned songs that punctuate the movie’s extra emotional moments.
Tom Blyth and Rachel Zegler star as Coriolanus Snow and Lucy Gray Baird, whereas the film additionally options scene-stealing supporting performances from Viola Davis because the sinister Dr. Volumnia Gaul, Peter Dinklage as Casca Highbottom, and Jason Schwartzman as Lucky Flickerman.
How to observe The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes
Right now, there’s just one place you’ll be able to see The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, and that is in theaters. The film was launched by Lionsgate internationally on November 17.
When will The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes come to streaming?
There’s no official phrase but as to when the film will probably be available to lease on streaming platforms. However, we do know that Starz has an “unique first window” for Lionsgate movies. Given that the bodily media launch is predicted to ship on January 2, we are able to count on a streaming date in early 2024.
Philip Ellis is News Editor at Men’s Health, overlaying health, popular culture, intercourse and relationships, and LGBTQ+ points. His work has appeared in GQ, Teen Vogue, Man Repeller and MTV, and he’s the creator of Love & Other Scams.