The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023)
The origin story of Panem's most feared tyrant unfolds in this gripping dystopian prequel from director Francis Lawrence.
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes
- Release Year: 2023
- Directed by: Francis Lawrence
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Sci-Fi, Action
- Age Rating (US): PG-13
- Runtime: 2h 37m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): November 15, 2023 (Austria), November 17, 2023 (United States - PG-13), November 17, 2023 (Canada), November 17, 2023 (United Kingdom - 12A), November 16, 2023 (Germany - 12), November 15, 2023 (France - 12), November 17, 2023 (India), November 16, 2023 (New Zealand), November 16, 2023 (Australia - M), November 15, 2023 (Brazil - 14), November 16, 2023 (Mexico - B), November 15, 2023 (Italy - T), November 17, 2023 (Spain - 12), November 15, 2023 (South Korea - 15), November 17, 2023 (China)
- Alternative Titles: عطش مبارزه: تصنیف پرندگان آوازخوان و مارها (IR), The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (US), Hunger Games : La Ballade du serpent et de l'oiseau chanteur (CA), Սոված Խաղեր (AM), La ballade du serpent et de l'oiseau chanteur (FR), Igre gladi: Balada pjevica i zmija (HR), Die Tribute von Panem – The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (DE), Đấu Trường Sinh Tử: Khúc Ca Của Chim Ca & Rắn Độc (VN)
- Production Companies: Lionsgate, Color Force, Studio Babelsberg
- Production Countries: Germany, United States of America
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes - Plot
64 years before he becomes the tyrannical president of Panem, Coriolanus Snow sees a chance for a change in fortunes when he mentors Lucy Gray Baird, the female tribute from District 12.
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the dark world of Panem's earliest Games come to life:
Everyone hungers for something.
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The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Francis Lawrence
Main Cast
- Tom Blyth
- Rachel Zegler
- Peter Dinklage
- Jason Schwartzman
- Hunter Schafer
- Josh Rivera
- Viola Davis
- Fionnula Flanagan
- Burn Gorman
- Dexter Sol Ansell
Writers
- Michael Lesslie
- Michael Arndt
Producers
- Francis Lawrence
- Nina Jacobson
- Brad Simpson
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes - FAQs
Is The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes a prequel?
Yes, it is a prequel set 64 years before the original Hunger Games trilogy. It follows a young Coriolanus Snow long before he becomes Panem's feared president, exploring the events and choices that shaped his ruthless character and worldview.
What does the ending of Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes mean?
The ending reveals Snow's full moral descent: he poisons Sejanus, allows Lucy Gray to flee, and then hunts her in the woods — ultimately choosing power over love. His final decision to return to the Capitol and embrace ambition cements his transformation into the tyrant seen in the original trilogy.
Where can you stream The Hunger Games: Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes?
The film is available to stream on Peacock Premium and Peacock Premium Plus, as well as YouTube TV. It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Availability may vary by region.
Is The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes based on a book?
Yes, the film is based on Suzanne Collins' 2020 novel of the same name. Collins, the author of the original Hunger Games trilogy, wrote the prequel novel exploring the backstory of Coriolanus Snow and the early days of the Hunger Games.
Who are the main actors in this Hunger Games prequel?
The film stars Tom Blyth as young Coriolanus Snow and Rachel Zegler as Lucy Gray Baird. The supporting cast includes Viola Davis, Peter Dinklage, Jason Schwartzman, Hunter Schafer, Josh Rivera, Fionnula Flanagan, and Burn Gorman.
What is the age rating for Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes?
The film is rated PG-13 in the United States. In the United Kingdom it carries a 12A certificate, while Germany and Spain rate it 12. Australia classifies it M, and Brazil rates it 14. The film contains action violence, thematic content, and some disturbing imagery.
How long is The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes?
The film has a runtime of 2 hours and 37 minutes (157 minutes). It is the longest entry in The Hunger Games film series, structured in three distinct acts that follow Snow's journey from Capitol student to morally compromised mentor and, ultimately, aspiring tyrant.
Did Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes perform well at the box office?
The film earned approximately $337 million worldwide against a $100 million production budget, making it a profitable theatrical release. While its global gross was lower than earlier entries in the franchise, it was considered a solid commercial success for Lionsgate.
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