Who’s Who in ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’ Movie Cast

Tom Blyth as President Coriolanus Snow

In the original Hunger Games films, Donald Sutherland portrayed the villainous President Snow. Now Blyth (The Gilded Age) will portray the younger, 18-year-old Snow in the upcoming prequel. In The Ballads of Songbirds and Snakes, the backstory of Snow’s family is detailed, from once being a part of the elite in the Capitol to ultimately losing all their wealth and status due to a war. The young Snow eventually becomes a mentor in the 10th annual Hunger Games, where he later becomes intrigued with District 12 tribute Lucy Gray Baird, wondering whether love overpowers his desire for power. 

“Coriolanus Snow is many things — a survivor, a loyal friend, a cutthroat, a kid quick to fall in love, and a young man ambitious to his core,” Lawrence said in a statement. “Tom’s take on the character showed us all the complex ambiguities of this young man as he transforms into the tyrant he would become.”

Jacobson said: “Tom’s performance will both fulfill and disrupt everything you think you know about Coriolanus Snow. He’s a tremendous talent who will show why Snow always lands on top.”

Rachel Zegler as Lucy Gray Baird

In the original Hunger Games films, Jennifer Lawrence was the tribute from District 12. Now in Songbirds and Snakes, the new tribute competing on behalf of District 12 is Lucy Gray Baird, set to be portrayed by West Side Story star Zegler. In the prequel, Lucy is a member of a traveling troupe called the Covey, who sheltered in district 12 after the rebellion collapsed. A singer-songwriter, Lucy pens “The Hanging Tree” and “Deep in the Meadow” — both songs famously performed by Lawrence’s Katniss. In the prequel, Lucy and Snow form a close relationship which results in Snow seemingly considering leaving behind the Capitol to join Lucy.

“When you read Suzanne’s book, Lucy Gray’s emotional intelligence, physical agility and fiercely powerful, determined singing voice shine through. Rachel embodies all of those skills — she is the perfect choice for our Lucy Gray,” Nathan Kahane, president, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, said in a statement of Zegler’s casting.

Viola Davis as Dr. Volumnia Gaul

In The Ballads of Songbirds and Snakes, Dr. Volumnia Gaul is the head gamemaker and the mastermind behind the Capitol’s experimental weapons division. THR exclusively announced that Davis would be taking on the role of Gaul in the film adaptation.  

“Dr. Gaul is as cruel as she is creative and as fearsome as she is formidable. Snow’s savvy as a political operator develops in no small part due to his experiences with her as the games’ most commanding figure,” Lawrence said in a statement of Davis’ casting. Meanwhile Jacobson added, “From the beginning, Viola has been our dream for Dr. Gaul because of the finely layered intelligence and emotion she brings to every role. A brilliant and eccentric strategist, Gaul is instrumental in shaping a young Coriolanus Snow into the man he will become. We are incredibly fortunate to have an actor with Viola’s extraordinary range and presence to play this pivotal role.”

Hunter Schafer as Tigris Snow

The Euphoria star is going to portray the mysterious character of Tigris. In Collins’ The Hunger Games: Mockingjay novel and the 2015 film adaptation, Tigris was introduced as a character with an appearance of a tiger, with whiskers and stripes. In both the book and film, Tigris helps Katniss and the remnants of squad 451 hide in a cellar as they prepared to march to the Capitol to assassinate President Snow. In the prequel, Tigris is revealed to be Snow’s cousin, and after losing both of their parents in the war, Snow and Tigris live with their grandmother as they struggle to survive without any income. Tigris also works as an apprentice to a designer.

Josh Andrés Rivera as Sejanus Plinth

In Songbirds and Snakes, Sejanus Plinth is a Capitol citizen and former mentor of the male District 2 tribute during the 10th Hunger Games. While a mentor, Sejanus becomes a close friend to Snow. Rivera, who previously starred alongside Zegler in West Side Story, will play Sejanus in the film adaptation.

Peter Dinklage as Casca Highbottom

While Dr. Volumnia Gaul is the one in charge of making the Hunger Games gruesome for entertainment, Dean Casca Highbottom is credited as being the overall creator of the event. Dinklage, who previously starred in Cyrano, will portray the dean in the film adaptation.

“Dean Highbottom is one of the most powerful people in Snow’s life. As the austere and vindictive face of the games, he sets the rules that will determine every aspect of Coriolanus’s fate. I’m thrilled that Peter will be bringing him to life,” Lawrence said in a statement.