Viola Davis joins the cast of Hunger Games prequel The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

Viola Davis is confirmed to be a part of the upcoming prequel to The Hunger Games prequel The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. She is reportedly cast as Volumnia Gaul, the head game maker and an antagonistic figure in the film. The film is based on the 2020 book of the same, written by the author of the original series Suzanne Collins. 

The film is developed by Lionsgate Entertainment, and is directed by Francis Lawrence, who has previously directed four films in the five-part Hunger Games franchise, is directing the prequel.  Michael Arndt, known for writing films like Toy Story 3 and Star Wars: The Force Awakens, is writing the screenplay for the film. 

Viola Davis had previously won an Oscar for Fences and an Emmy award for her role in How To Get Away With Murder. The actor is currently gearing up to release her upcoming film The Woman King, based on an all-woman warrior tribe in Dahomey. 

Viola Davis will be joined by cast members Tom Blyth, Rachel Zegler, Hunter Schafer, Jason Schwartzman, and Peter Dinklage. The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, is currently scheduled to release on 17 November 2023.