“I’m a ‘Hunger Games’ fan., but also from the author Suzanne Collinsconfides director Francis Lawrence to 20 minutes. Opening a new chapter in the saga was as exciting as it was stressful. ” With The Hunger Games: The Ballad of the Serpent and the Songbird, the director of Red Sparrow signs his fourth episode of “Hunger Games” for which he collaborated closely with the novelist. “She was there at all stages of creation, with the exception of filming, with relevant suggestions, which allowed us to clearly understand her intentions when she wrote her novel,” says he.
The director (who is not related to Jennifer Lawrence, the star of the saga) wanted to be as faithful as possible to the book released in 2020 (published by Pocket Jeunesse in France). We learn how Coriolanus Snow became the president portrayed by Donald Sutherland in the previous films. It is Tom Blyth who is responsible for playing him in his younger years, while Rachel Zegler, discovered in West Side Story by Steven Spielberg, steals the show as a forced candidate for deadly circus games.
Rachel Zegler is the songbird
“I wanted to place more emphasis on the psychology of the characters without erasing the action,” explains Francis Lawrence. I was aware of my enormous responsibility towards the fans, but did not let it weigh me down. » The great novelty of the film is the songs that the heroine sings to describe her feelings.
“Rachel sang them live on set,” remembers the filmmaker. At first, I was afraid it would be too complicated, but everyone on set was won over because his voice was so moving. » As the “songbird” of the film, Rachel Zegler reveals a charisma worthy of that of Jennifer Lawrence in her early days. No performer from previous parts makes an appearance in this new film. “There was no reason for them to be there,” Francis Lawrence said.
We wait for the sequel
This does not prevent seasoned actors like Viola Davis, Peter Dinklage or Jason Schwartzman from supporting the young performers for a suspense which ends with a question mark. Will we find the survivors for a sequel? “I would be willing, but I assure you that I know nothing about it,” announces Francis Lawrence. Everything will depend on the inspiration of Suzanne Collins. » Nothing has been written yet, but we would be surprised if the novelist abandoned her heroes and her fans to their fate without continuing their adventures.