Peter Dinklage joins cast of ‘Hunger Games’ prequel ‘The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’
U.S. actor Peter Dinklage arrives for the HBO premiere of “My Dinner With Herve” on Oct. 4, 2018 at the Paramount Studios in Los Angeles. Image: AFP/Chris Delmas via AFP Relaxnews
“Game of Thrones” star Peter Dinklage is the latest addition to the cast of the upcoming film “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” the prequel of the hit movie series “The Hunger Games.”
Dinklage’s casting was announced through the official Instagram page of “Hunger Games” today, July 19.
“Some lessons shouldn’t be taught,” it said. “Peter Dinklage has been cast as Casca Highbottom in ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.'”
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Dinklage’s character is the dean of the Academy where the young President Coriolanus Snow is a student. Highbottom was described by film director Francis Lawrence as “one of the most powerful people” in Snow’s life, which will be the focus of the movie prequel. This Lawrence said through an exclusive statement obtained by Deadline yesterday, July 18.
“As the austere and vindictive face of the games, [Highbottom] sets the rules that will determine every aspect of Coriolanus’ fate. I’m thrilled that Peter will be bringing him to life,” Lawrence was quoted as saying.
“The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” which takes place decades prior to the events of the original “Hunger Games” films, follows the story of young Snow who was assigned to mentor Lucy Gray Baird, the girl tribute from impoverished District 12.
British actor Tom Blyth will play the role of Snow while “West Side Story” star Rachel Zegler will portray the character of Baird. Other members of the cast include Josh Andrés Rivera, Hunter Schafer and Jason Schwartzman.
“The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” which is based on the 2020 book of the same name by Suzanne Collins, is set to premiere on Nov. 17, 2023. JB
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