The Hunger Games is an interesting film franchise. It will be remembered as one of the largest of the generation, but it will also be remembered as one that limped over the finish line. It’s hard to imagine that anyone was clamoring for more after it ended, but when something makes money, more money must be made!
Thankfully for Lionsgate, Hunger Games author Suzanne Collins has their back. She has already written the prequel book to the YA franchise, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. So, it’s back to the franchise sausage mill we go. They’ve even managed to bring back Catching Fire and Mockingjay Part 1 and Part 2 director, Francis Lawrence for the new film.
The new book is set to hit shelves in May, and the fact that many people feel like we are living in a dystopian future and they are trapped at home with nothing to do is only going to help sales. As to what the story will cover, well, it looks like we’ll be focusing on the early life of Coriolanus Snow, the man who would eventually become President. “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 Tenth Hunger Games… only to have his elation dashed when he is assigned to mentor the girl tribute from impoverished District 12.”
Here’s what Joe Drake, chairman of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group had to say:
“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. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is creatively thrilling and takes this world to complex new dimensions that open up amazing cinematic possibilities. We’re thrilled to reunite this filmmaking team with this very unique franchise, and we can’t wait to begin production.”
In a world where so many things are changing, it’s nice to know that Hollywood is as lazy as ever.