The film will be released exclusively in theaters throughout most of the world beginning November 17.
In an exciting announcement, three-time Grammy Award-winning artist Olivia Rodrigo has written and recorded the official song for Lionsgate’s highly anticipated film, “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.” Titled “Can’t Catch Me Now,” the song was revealed during a special one-hour event broadcast live on TikTok, where a billboard in Times Square showcased the news.
As ticket sales for the film begin today, Rodrigo joins a prestigious list of top recording artists who have contributed original songs to the Hunger Games franchise, including Taylor Swift, Coldplay, and Lorde. This collaboration further solidifies Rodrigo’s status as a rising star in the music industry.
During the event in Times Square, fans were treated to a sixty-second preview of “Can’t Catch Me Now,” creating anticipation for the film’s release on November 17. Notable attendees included the film’s stars Tom Blyth, Rachel Zegler, and Josh Andrés Rivera, who joined the excitement alongside fans.
This groundbreaking announcement also celebrates the partnership between TikTok and digital out-of-home innovator DIVE Billboards, showcasing the first-ever Out of Phone: Billboard activation. By merging TikTok creator-led content with a live experiential moment, this innovative approach engages Hunger Games fans both in Times Square and beyond.
Director Francis Lawrence expressed his enthusiasm for Olivia Rodrigo’s involvement, highlighting her charged lyrics and urgent voice that align perfectly with the film’s emotional depth. Additionally, Rachel Zegler, who portrays Lucy Gray Baird in the movie, delivers unforgettable musical performances, including her rendition of “The Hanging Tree,” originally performed by Jennifer Lawrence in the earlier Hunger Games films.
“The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes” takes viewers back 64 years before the events of the original trilogy, providing insight into the backstory of Coriolanus Snow and his interactions with Lucy Gray Baird. As the last hope for his failing lineage, Snow reluctantly becomes her mentor, ultimately shaping their destinies. The film explores themes of survival, morality, and the fine line between good and evil.
Directed by Francis Lawrence and featuring a screenplay by Michael Lesslie and Michael Arndt, “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes” is produced by Nina Jacobson, Brad Simpson, and Francis Lawrence. With Olivia Rodrigo’s captivating songwriting and vocals added to the mix, fans can anticipate an immersive cinematic experience that pays tribute to the beloved Hunger Games franchise while forging its own path.
Tickets for the film are now available for purchase on major ticketing sites, marking the countdown to what promises to be a compelling addition to the Hunger Games universe.