Though Viola Davis is an actress that has earned a ton of awards and acclaim over the course of her career, she’s never been one to shy away from a good role in a franchise. Most recently, she’s shown up as Amanda Waller in a number of DC superhero films. And next, it appears she’s ready to join the YA franchise, “The Hunger Games.”
According to THR, Viola Davis is the latest actor to join the growing cast of the upcoming ‘Hunger Games’ prequel, ‘The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.’ In the film, she’s expected to play Head Gamemaker Volumnia Gaul. The new prequel is directed by longtime ‘Hunger Games’ filmmaker, Francis Lawrence,” who previously worked on the features “Catching Fire,” “Mockingjay Part One,” and “Mockingjay Part Two.”
READ MORE: Rachel Zegler Cast As Lucy Gray Baird In ‘Hunger Games’ Prequel
“Dr. Gaul is as cruel as she is creative and as fearsome as she is formidable,” said Lawrence. “Snow’s savvy as a political operator develops in no small part due to his experiences with her as the games’ most commanding figure.”
Producer Nina Jacobson added, “From the beginning, Viola has been our dream for Dr. Gaul because of the finely layered intelligence and emotion she brings to every role. A brilliant and eccentric strategist, Gaul is instrumental in shaping a young Coriolanus Snow into the man he will become. We are incredibly fortunate to have an actor with Viola’s extraordinary range and presence to play this pivotal role.”
Davis is one of the most acclaimed actors working today, earning four Oscar nominations and winning one for her role in “Fences.” More recently, we’ve seen her take on more high-profile, blockbuster-esque roles, such as in “The Suicide Squad.” She’ll next be seen in the action-drama, “The Woman King.”
READ MORE: ‘Euphoria’ Star Hunter Schafer Joins Upcoming ‘Hunger Games’ Prequel
The actress joins an impressive cast for the ‘Hunger Games’ prequel film, ‘The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.’ Davis will be seen opposite actors such as Rachel Zegler, Tom Blyth, Hunter Schafer, Jason Schwartzman, and Peter Dinklage.
“Hunger Games: The Balllad of Songbirds and Snakes” is expected to arrive in theaters on November 17, 2023.
Here’s the synopsis:
Years before he would become the tyrannical President of Panem, 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow is the last hope for his fading lineage, a once-proud family that has fallen from grace in a post-war Capitol. With the 10th annual Hunger Games fast approaching, the young Snow is alarmed when he is assigned to mentor Lucy Gray Baird, the girl tribute from impoverished District 12. But, after Lucy Gray commands all of Panem’s attention by defiantly singing during the reaping ceremony, Snow thinks he might be able to turn the odds in their favor. Uniting their instincts for showmanship and newfound political savvy, Snow and Lucy’s race against time to survive will ultimately reveal who is a songbird, and who is a snake
