The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes - release date, full cast & who is Lucy Gray Baird?

Lionsgate has dropped the long-awaited trailer for The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. The film has fans more desperate than ever for the star-studded return to Panem.

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is a prequel to the iconic film franchise The Hunger Games which included breakthrough performances for the likes of Jennifer Lawrence, who played Katniss Everdeen, and Liam Hemworth as Gale.

Most of the characters in the prequel will be new to viewers as it takes place 64 years before Katniss even volunteers as tribute, however, they will recognise one character. The film follows the story of a young Coriolanus Snow, the man who later becomes the villainous President Snow, during his time as a mentor for The Hunger Games.

With new characters, comes a slate of brand new actors joining The Hunger Games franchise, and Lionsgate pulled out all the stops. The cast includes the likes of Oscar-winner Viola Davis as Dr Volunmia Gaul, and Peter Dinklage as Casca Highbottom.

So, who else has joined the cast of The Hunger Game: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes? Here’s everything you need to know.

Who is Lucy Gray Baird?