With the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes still going strong, some studios are having to get creative with making money. This brings us to Lionsgate’s recent decision to re-release “The Hunger Games” in theaters. The film will also include an exclusive look at the upcoming prequel film, “The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.”

Both projects are based on the novels by Suzanne Collins. If you’ll recall, “The Hunger Games” is the first film in a 4-film (now 5 with “Ballad“) series. Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence starred as Katniss Everdeen, along with Josh Hutcherson as Peeta, and Liam Hemsworth as Gale. It, to date, has earned $694.4 million worldwide. That number is likely to change with the re-release.

Rachel Zegler (“West Side Story“) will play Lucy Grey Baird, alongside Tom Blyth as young Coriolanus Snow in “The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.” Peter Dinklage (“Game of Thrones“) will play Casca Highbottom, Dean of the Capitol’s Academy, where Snow is a student. The film also stars Hunter Schafer, Josh Andrés Rivera, Jason Schwartzman, and Viola Davis.

We recommend reading “The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes” BEFORE the film hits. And a reread of “The Hunger Games” trilogy is never a bad idea.
You can catch “The Hunger Games” October 15th and 18th in theaters, thanks to Fathom Events. “Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes” hits theaters November 17th, 2023.