The Hunger Games prequel: everything you need to know about

It's been over a decade since we first witnessed Katniss Everdeen's battle for survival, and now we're in for a treat with a fresh new prequel film on the horizon.

Fans of The Hunger Games franchise have reason to celebrate as a new prequel movie is in the works.

 Based on Suzanne Collins' 2019 novel The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, the  eagerly-anticipated flick adaptation will explore the early life of a young President Coriolanus Snow, portrayed in the original films by Donald Sutherland, before he rose to power in Panem. 

The dystopian world created by Collins captivated audiences during its initial release, and fans are eagerly anticipating this next chapter in the series.

Here's what you need to know about the upcoming film adaptation, from its official release date to the full cast.

What is the release date for The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes?

Lionsgate announced at the 2022 CinemaCon that the movie will be released in theaters on November 17, 2023.

Meet the Cast of The Hunger Games  Prequel

The film will feature a star-studded cast, including Rachel Zegler (known for West Side Story) as Lucy Gray and Tom Blyth as Coriolanus Snow.

 A-list actors Viola Davis, Peter Dinklage, Hunter Schafer, and Jason Schwartzman are also on board to play important roles. 

The cast also includes Burn Gorman, Fionnula Flanagan, Ayomide Adegun, Ashley Liao, Isobel Jesper Jones, and more.

Who is the director of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes?

Francis Lawrence, who directed the last three films in the Hunger Games series, is set to direct The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.

 The film's script will be written by Michael Lesslie, based on Suzanne Collins' novel, and Collins will serve as an executive producer alongside Tim Palen.