Viola Davis is heading to Banem as the lead playmaker in the prequel to “The Hunger Games,” “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.”
Lionsgate is based on the 2020 book of the same name, which takes place decades before Katniss Everdeen’s adventures in “The Hunger Games.” The prequel story centers on 18-year-old Snow, who eventually becomes the tyrannical leader of the dystopian world known as Panem. In “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” he is chosen to be a mentor during the tenth edition of The Hunger Games, a televised event in which teenagers are chosen by lottery to fight to the death.
Davis, who plays the mastermind of a demonic death match for teen Volumnia Gaul, will star opposite Tom Blythe as young Coriolanus Snow, Rachel Ziegler as Lucy Gray Bird, Hunter Schaeffer as Snow’s cousin, close friend Tigress Snow and Peter Dinklage as Dean Casca Hybottom .
“The Hunger Games movies have always been elevated by exceptional cast, and we are thrilled to continue that tradition with Viola Davis as Volumnia Gaul. Her strong and powerful presence will add layers of complexity and danger to this story,” said Nathan Kahana, president of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group.
Frances Lawrence will direct “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” who previously directed the “Catching Fire” series, “Mockingjay – Part 1” and “Mockingjay – Part 2.” Michael Leslie wrote the script. The latest draft script was written by Michael Leslie (“Macbeth” starring Michael Fassbender, “Assassin’s Creed). Leslie is based on the works of Collins and Michael Arndt (“Little Miss Sunshine”, “Catching Fire”).
“Doctor. Gaul is as cruel as it is iconic and as frightening as it is formidable. Snow’s intelligence as a political agent develops in large part because of his experiences with her as the most commanding character in games,” Lawrence said.
Franchise veteran Nina Jacobson and production partner Brad Simpson will oversee the latest installment of “The Hunger Games,” alongside Lawrence. Author Suzanne Collins, Tim Palen, and Jim Miller will serve as executive producers. Meredith Wake and Scott O’Brien are overseeing on behalf of Lionsgate.
“From the beginning, Viola has been our dream for Dr. Gaul because of the subtle layers of intelligence and emotion that she brings to each role. Brilliant and eccentric strategist, Gaul plays an instrumental role in shaping the young Coriolanus Snow into the man he would become. We are so fortunate to have an actor who enjoys Viola’s extraordinary reach and presence to play this pivotal role.”
Davis has a Tony Award for “Fences” and “King Hedley II,” an Academy Award winner for “Fences” and an Emmy Award winner for How to Get Away With Murder. Her next leading role is in Sony’s historical epic “The Woman King”, which begins in theaters in September. Davis is represented by CAA, Lasher Group, Lichter, Grossman, Nichols, Adler, Feldman & Clark.
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes premiered in theaters worldwide on November 17, 2023.
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