A Fan-Favorite Actor Has Joined The Hunger Games Prequel

The Hunger Games prequel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, is starting to take shape, as a fan-favorite actor has now been officially cast in the film.

By James Brizuela | Published

ballad of songbirds and snakes the hunger games

The Hunger Games prequel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, is starting to take shape. Every week it seems that more cast is announced for the start of what might be another slate of movies built in this illustrious universe. The most recent casting announcement is that of the fan-favorite actor, Jason Schwartzman. Schwartzman is joining the ever-expanding list of actors, whose characters also have ties to the original film. Schwartzman will take on the role of Lucky Flickerman.

For those who might not remember the original The Hunger Games film, the last name Flickerman should be one that fans recall. Lucky Flickerman is the ancestor of Caesar Flickerman, who became the voice of Panem. Caesar Flickerman was portrayed by Stanley Tucci in the original film. Lucky Flickerman will be the host of the 10th Hunger Games and will likely possess traits that are similar to Ceasar. At least, their mannerisms should match up quite well. Jason Schwartzman is a fantastic actor that should do well in the hosting duties for the games that existed years before the events of the original films.

Jason Schwartzman has become a fan-favorite actor through the years, as he has appeared in many beloved comedies like Scott Pilgrim vs the World and Wet Hot American Summer. He is also a frequent collaborator with Wes Anderson, as he has been in Rushmore, The Darjeeling Limited, The Grand Budapest Hotel, and many others. All of which he has been fantastic in. Schwartzman has built himself into quite the actor, which is why his addition to The Hunger Games prequel is fantastic. He is also set to take on the role of The Spot, who is the villain for the Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.

Jason Schwartzman joins a cast that now includes Rachel Zegler, Hunter Schafer, Tom Blyth, Lauren Marsden, Ashley Liao, and many more. The Hunger Games prequel is going to be directed by Francis Lawrence, who directed three of the four films in the universe: Catching Fire, Mockingjay: Part One, and Mockingjay: Part Two. He is joined by Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson, who both produced the original franchise films. The film is set to follow the early days of the games, where a young 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow (Tom Blyth) is attempting to revive his family’s legacy. He is upset when given the task to mentor Lucy Gray Baird (Rachel Zegler) from the 12th district, but finds hope when Baird defiantly sings during the reaping ceremony.

The Hunger Games prequel book might turn into another franchise that is meant to produce a slate of films, though that has not quite been determined just yet. Considering The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes book is over 700 pages long, there is plenty of enough material to dish out another three films at least. This prequel is set years before the events that saw Katniss Everdeen take on the role of tribute from the 12th district, so don’t expect to see her appear in a cameo. The same can be said for most characters introduced in the original films. However, should the prequel continue with more movies, that might seem more plausible. Either way, it is exciting that Jason Schwartzman has officially joined the cast.