Euphoria‘s Hunter Schafer joins Rachel Zegler in The Hunger Games prequel

EUPHORIA’S Hunter Schafer, Rachel Zegler, Tom Blythe and more are starring in the much anticipated Hunger Games prequel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.

Much like the original Lionsgate films, the Hunger Games prequel is being adapted from Suzanne Collins’ 2020 book of the same name. Unfortunately as a prequel, Jennifer Lawrence — who perhaps owes her Oscar-winning career to her casting in the franchise — won’t be appearing in the new production. However, fans of the original series shouldn’t be dismayed as the prequel is stays true to the thrilling book and previous films.

Lionsgate debuted the official trailer at the CinemaCon 2023 on April 27, 2023 and it certainly got our hearts racing. See the new trailer below and learn more about the new film — which saw Zegler handpicked from thousands of hopefuls as the lead role of Lucy Gray.

What is The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes about?

Set in the Hunger Games universe, 64 years before Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence), The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes chronicles the life of a young Coriolanus Snow. An ambitious 18-year-old boy who eventually becomes known as the tyrannical and infamous, President Snow — played by Donald Sutherland. The young Snow, however, gets tasked as a mentor to a Lucy Gray Baird, a tribute from the impoverished District 12, where Katniss Everdeen (Lawrence) and her family helm from.

Those familiar with the series will remember the Hunger Games’ barbaric — and televised — fight to the death premise, which sees two teenagers randomly chosen to represent their district and attempt to survive against all odds. In the novel, Gray gains the attention of Panem when she defiantly sings at the initial reaping ceremony — which Coriolanus, as her mentor, hopes to use to gain favour.

The official synopsis reads: “Years before he would become the tyrannical President of Panem, 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow (Blyth) is the last hope for his fading lineage, a once-proud family that has fallen from grace in a post-war Capitol. With the 10th annual Hunger Games fast approaching, the young Snow is alarmed when he is assigned to mentor Lucy Gray Baird (Zegler), the girl tribute from impoverished District 12. But, after Lucy Gray commands all of Panem’s attention by defiantly singing during the reaping ceremony, Snow thinks he might be able to turn the odds in their favor. Uniting their instincts for showmanship and newfound political savvy, Snow and Lucy’s race against time to survive will ultimately reveal who is a songbird and a snake.”

Who stars in the Hunger Games prequel?

Euphoria‘s Hunter Schafer has most recently been announced as Tigris Snow, cousin and mentor to Coriolanus Snow, played by British actor Tom Blyth. Meanwhile, Rachel Zegler, holds the lead role of Lucy Gray, the female tribute from District 12. In May 2022, Lionsgate confirmed after an “exhaustive search,” they found their Lucy in Zegler. Little surprise given Zegler’s vocal prowess — and the character’s singing ability.

“When you read Suzanne’s book, Lucy Gray’s emotional intelligence, physical agility, and fiercely powerful, determined singing voice shine through. Rachel embodies all of those skills – she is the perfect choice for our Lucy Gray,” said Nathan Kahane, president, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group.

Francis Lawrence, who has returned to direct the Hunger Games prequel, called Zegler the “perfect match” for Lucy Gray. “Like everybody, I first saw Rachel Zegler in West Side Story, and like everybody, I knew I was watching a star who would command the screen for a generation,” Lawrence began.

“Lucy Gray is a perfect match for her as an actress: the character is bold, independent, and defiant, but also vulnerable, emotional, and loving. Rachel will make this character unforgettable.”

Zegler’s boyfriend Josh Andrés Rivera, whom she met on set of West Side Story, is also featuring in the film as a close friend of young Coriolanus. Never been prouder of someone in my life lemme tell you,” Zegler captioned an Instagram Story of his casting on the official Hunger Games account. In a cryptic post, The Hunger Games wrote: “Loyalties will be tested. Josh Andrés Rivera has been cast as Sejanus Plinth in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes – arriving in theatres November 2023.”

Other cast-members have also recently been announced including Jerome Lance, Ashley Liao, Knox Gibson, Mackenzie Lansing and Aamer Husain.

When will the Hunger Games be released?

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is set to hit cinemas on Nov. 17, 2023.