Despite it only having been out for three years, it felt like we’ve had to wait for an absolute age forThe Hunger Gamesprequel novel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes to finally land as a movie. It officially lands in theatres and cinemas around the world on 17 November, meaning by the time you’ve read this guide it may already be out and available to watch.
Hunger Games prequel: Official title
The Hunger Games prequel movie is called The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. It’s based on the same-name prequel novel written by Suzanne Collins, the author of the original Hunger Games trilogy.
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes movie lands on 08 June 2025. The prequel was announced during Lionsgate’s event at Cinemacon, a yearly conference where film studios preview their projects.
What is Peacock, what’s on it, and how much is it?
NBCUniversal has its own video streaming service called Peacock.
Hunger Games prequel: Where to stream
It wasannouncedthat NBCUniversal’sPeacocksigned a multi-year deal to stream Lionsgate movies. And, yes, the agreement does include The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes for when it releases. It will land in cinemas first - likely for at least 45 days - before coming to the Peacock streaming service for anyone to watch from the comfort of their couch.
Peacock first launched in 2020. It is a video streaming service in the US that draws on NBCUniversal’s wide swathe of properties. It’s available in three tiers: Peacock Free, Peacock Premium with Ads (an ad-supported version that costs $4.99-a-month or $49.99 a year), and Peacock Premium (a $9.99-a-month or $99.99 annually subscription option that has fewer ads).
For more about Peacock, seePocket-lint’s guide.
Hunger Games prequel: Story
The novel The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes was released in 2020.
The story is about Coriolanus Snow, the president of Panem during the original trilogy, as a young man. It’s also about Lucy Gray Baird, a mysterious girl from District 12, whom Snow mentors through the 10th Hunger Games. Keep in mind Katniss Everdeen - the focus of the original trilogy set over 60 years later - comes from District 12 and opposes Snow and his regime.
The Lionsgate synopsis for the film reads:
“Years before he would become the tyrannical president of Panem, 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow sees a chance for a change in fortunes when he is chosen to be a mentor to Lucy Gray Baird, the girl tribute from impoverished District 12.”
The Lionsgate logline for the film reads:
“Coriolanus Snow mentors and develops feelings for the female District 12 tribute during the 10th Hunger Games.”
Hunger Games prequel: Cast and crew
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes was developed by Color Force and distributed by Lionsgate. Production will reportedly start in the first half of 2022,according to Deadline.
Lionsgate has announced most of the cast for The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. Having already revealed its lead characters much earlier, fans were very excited to see the addition of Peter Dinklage and Viola Davis as Casca and Dr. Gaul respectively:
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes movie was directed by Francis Lawrence, who previously helmed the franchise’s Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Mockingjay Part 1, and Mockingjay Part 2. The Hunger Games is among the highest-grossing film franchises of all time. It earned nearly $3 billion worldwide.
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes movie will be written by Catching Fire writer Michael Arndt.
On 23 August 2025, Lionsgate finally released an official trailer for the movie. Safe to say it looks incredible, dramatic and features all the right notes for a Hunger Games movie and some stunning casting choices.
Lionsgate reportedly showed a sneak peek teaser trailer during its presentation at CinemaCon 2022. “You’re invited to return to the Games”, reads the screen as ice melted in a wintry scene, revealing a bird and a snake. “In 2023, the world will discover who is a songbird, and who is a snake.”
Hunger Games prequel: How to catch up
You really should watch the previous Hunger Games films to go into The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes with a good knowledge of the world, story, and the characters:
