Hunter Schafer cast in The Hunger Games prequel film, The Ballad of Songbirds and Serpents

Euphoria star Hunter Schafer has joined the cast of Lionsgate’s The Hunger Games prequel film, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.

The film is adapted from Suzanne Collins’ 2020 book of the same name, which is set decades before the adventures of Katniss Everdeen – played by Jennifer Lawrence in the cinematic tetralogy – in The Hunger Games.

Schafer joins Tom Blyth and West Side Story stars Rachel Zegler and Josh Andrés Rivera in the prequel.

On Tuesday, Nick Benson, Laurel Marsden, Lilly Cooper, Luna Steeples and Hiroki Berrecloth were reportedly added to the cast.

The story of The Ballad of Songbirds and Serpents revolves around Coriolanus Snow, an ambitious boy who eventually becomes the tyrannical ruler of the dystopian country of Panem.

Blyth will play young Snow, while Zegler will play Lucy Gray Baird, the female tribute from impoverished District 12. Rivera will play Snow’s close friend, Sejanus Plinth.

Schafer will play Tigris Snow, Coriolanus’ cousin and confidant, who advises him on everything – from his role as a mentor to the heart of his moral compass.

The latest draft of the screenplay is by Michael Lesslie, which draws on the work of writers Suzanne Collins and Michael Arndt.

The ballad of songbirds and snakes will be produced by Nina Jacobson and her producing partner Brad Simpson, as well as Francis Lawrence. Suzanne Collins, Tim Palen and Jim Miller will serve as executive producers.

Schafer made her acting debut playing Jules in the critically acclaimed HBO series Euphoria. She is currently working on the film Coucou by director Tilman Singer.

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is set to open November 17, 2023 in cinemas worldwide.