The ‘Hunger Games’ franchise is getting a prequel version at Lionsgate. The developing film will be based on the book ‘The Ballad of Songbirds and Snake’ by author Suzanne Collins, whose novel works were used for the ‘Hunger Games’ screen adaptation.
“Suzanne’s new book has been worth the wait. It offers everything fans could hope for and expect from *The Hunger Games* while also breaking new ground and introducing an entirely new canvas of characters,” said Joe Drake, chairman of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group.
The prequel will center around Coriolanus Snow at age 18, years before he would become the tyrannical President of Panem. Young Coriolanus is handsome and charming, and though the Snow family has fallen on hard times, he sees a chance for a change in his fortunes when he is chosen to be a mentor for the 10th Hunger Games, only to have his elation dashed when he is assigned to mentor the girl tribute from impoverished District 12.
Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson are producing, while Francis Lawrence takes the director’s seat for the prequel. Michael Arndt will pen the script for the adaptation. Collins will executive produce and write the film’s treatment.
“Lionsgate has always been the cinematic home of *The Hunger Games,* and I’m delighted to be returning to them with this new book,” said Collins in a statement.
There are no details about casting and production start as at now. The ‘Hunger Games’ trilogy, which began in 2012 starred Oscar winning actress Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson and Elizabeth Banks.
Jim Miller will oversee productions over the film for Lionsgate and Patricia Laucella and Phil Strina oversaw the rights for the book as well as all talent deals for the company.
By: Larry Adams
