UPDATE: Josh Andres Rivera has been added to the cast of Lionsgate’s The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snake. Rivera will play Sejanus Plinth, a "close friend of young Coriolanus Snow, and the mentor to a tribute from District 2," according to Lionsgate.
Lionsgate announces five cast members joining The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. A prequel to the hit YA trilogy, The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes was published in 2020 by author Suzanne Collins. Lionsgate previously revealed West Side Story breakout Rachel Zegler would lead the cast opposite Tom Blyth. Blyth is set to play a young Coriolanus Snow, while Zegler will star as District 12 tribute Lucy Gray Baird.
Today, Lionsgate revealed five new cast members for The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. Jerome Lance will star as Marcus, a tribute from District 2. Knox Gibson and Mackenzie Lansing will play tributes from District 8 and District 4, Bobbin and Coral. Additionally, Ashley Liao and Aamer Husain will play Clemensia Dovecote and Felix Ravinstill, mentors to the tributes from District 11.
Shortly before the book's release, Lionsgate entered early development on a film adaptation of The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. The studio recently set a November 2023 release date for The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, and this casting news further confirms the film is rapidly approaching the start of production. Series producer Nina Jacobson is spearheading the project alongside Brad Simpson. Collins will also serve as an executive producer, while Francis Lawrence returns as director.
The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes follows the origin story of the saga's antagonist, President Snow, as he prepares for the 10th annual Hunger Games. Taking place 64 years before Katniss enters the arena, Snow forms a relationship with District 12 tribute Lucy Gray Baird as he mentors her, complicating his role in the games. With casting announcements flowing and veteran filmmakers on board, it appears The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes is moving along smoothly.
Source: Lionsgate