THE HUNGER GAMES: THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS AND SNAKES Taps Tom Blyth To Play Young Coriolanus Snow

THR (via SFFGazette.com) reveals that Tom Blyth (Billy the Kid) has landed the lead role in Lionsgate's upcoming The Hunger Games prequel, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.

Donald Sutherland played the character in the four big screen adaptations of Suzanne Collins' hit novels. That franchise ultimately grossed over $3 billion by the time it wrapped up in 2014, so the studio has understandably been looking for ways to continue the story ever since. A prequel tale about the young Coriolanus Snow is an interesting way to expand this world, and the book was well-received.

Years before he would become the tyrannical President of Panem, 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow 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, 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 who is a snake.

"Coriolanus Snow is many things - a survivor, a loyal friend, a cutthroat, a kid quick to fall in love, and a young man ambitious to his core," says director Lawrence. "Tom’s take on the character showed us all the complex ambiguities of this young man as he transforms into the tyrant he would become."

This looks set to be a breakout role for Blyth and could put him on the map the same way The Hunger Games did for Jennifer Lawrence once upon a time. Pre-production started shortly after the novel was released in 2020, and Lionsgate is wasting no time is getting cameras rolling on the project ahead of a previously announced release date of November 17, 2023.

Keep checking SFFGazette.com for the latest updates on The Hunger Games franchise!