Four years after concluding his work on the last film adaptation of the Hunger Games book trilogy, director Francis Lawrence received a call from producer Nina Jacobson, who was also involved in the original series. Suzanna Collins, the author behind the Hunger Games, informed them that she was almost done with a new book, a prequel named “The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes,” which would have a significant musical component. Both Lawrence and Jacobson were immediately interested, with Lawrence particularly excited about the villain origin story the book would explore.
The new book introduces Lucy Gray Baird, portrayed by Rachel Zegler, a wandering folk singer who becomes part of the deadly games and forms an unlikely romantic relationship with Coriolanus Snow. To bring authenticity to the character and the music, the team collaborated with Dave Cobb, a Nashville-based music producer known for his work with artists like Chris Stapleton and Brandi Carlile. Cobb was excited to work on the project, especially after learning about Collins’ deep understanding of history and music.
Creating the music for the film presented its own set of challenges. Cobb aimed to produce songs that felt like timeless classics from the turn of the century. He even went as far as to record the tracks in an old mansion in Savannah, Georgia, to capture the authentic sound and atmosphere. The film’s crew also faced challenges in finding a location that resembled the Appalachian setting, eventually settling on Duisburg, Germany.
Rachel Zegler, who plays Lucy Gray Baird, was initially unavailable due to scheduling conflicts but later joined the project. Her chemistry with Tom Blyth, who plays Snow, was evident even during a Zoom test. Zegler’s performance has been praised for its emotional depth and authenticity, making her an integral part of the film’s success.
While it’s unclear whether there will be more books or films in the Hunger Games universe, both Lawrence and Jacobson are open to returning if Suzanna Collins decides to expand the series.
