Lionsgate announced a Hunger Games prequel film is officially in the works at the studio.
Last summer, it was reported that Lionsgate was working closely with The Hunger Games trilogy author Suzanne Collins in hopes of developing a new film based on her upcoming prequel novel The Ballad of Songbirds and Snake. Now, Lionsgate has announced that a prequel film based on the aforementioned novel is in the works with director Francis Lawrence, screenwriter Michael Arndt, and producer Nina Jacobson.
The Hunger Games prequel will center on an 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow long before he became the tyrannical President of Panem. Described as a handsome and charming young man whose family has fallen on hard times, Coriolanus Snow is chosen to be a mentor for the Tenth Hunger Games and sees this as a chance to change his fortunes only to have his excitement shattered upon being appointed to the girl tribute from impoverished District 12. Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chairman Joe Drake made the following statement on the opportunity for exploring new ground thanks to Suzanne Collins’ new novel:
“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”
In addition to writing the film adaptation’s treatment, which will be adapted by writer Michael Arndt, Suzanne Collins will serve as an executive producer on the project. In a statement, Suzanne Collins expressed her excitement about re-teaming with Lionsgate:
“Lionsgate has always been the cinematic home of The Hunger Games, and I’m delighted to be returning to them with this new book.”
Color Force’s Nina Jacobson will produce the Hunger Games prequel, after previously serving the same role in the original film series, alongside her partner Brad Simpson. Lionsgate executive Jim Miller, who served as the project executive on the four previous entries in the franchise, will oversee the production for the studio.
The original trilogy centered on Katniss Everdeen’s rising popularity on the televised battle royale death match called The Hunger Games and her subsequent leadership role in the uprising against the fascist government. Lionsgate released four films based on the novels starring Academy Award winner Jennifer Lawrence as Everdeen opposite Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, and Elizabeth Banks. The film quadrilogy collectively grossed nearly $3 billion at the worldwide box office.
Are you excited to see a Hunger Games prequel? Let us know in the comments section below and stay tuned to Heroic Hollywood for the latest news on the Liongate project as it develops.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
