The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes explores the world of Panem before the time of Katniss Everdeen, but will the prequel ever get a sequel? Based on the eponymous novel by Suzanne Collins, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes follows a young Coriolanus Snow as he mentors Lucy Gray Baird before the 10th annual Hunger Games arrives. Ultimately, the story is an exploration of Snow before he becomes the tyrannical president that fans came to despise in the original Hunger Games series, but the potential for sequels is there nevertheless.

Initial critical reaction to the film has been mixed at best, with many pointing out that the film lacks the same imaginative flare that made the original movie series so memorable (via The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes features a star-studded cast but has none of the familiar faces from the older movies. Instead, the prequel aims to set its own tone and add some context to the larger universe that Suzanne Collins painstakingly crafted in the books and eventual film series. Even though the movie is still new, speculation abounds about a possible sequel.

The Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes Sequel Latest News

Tom Blyth Discusses A Sequel

Much like his co-star Rachel Zegler, the latest news sees Tom Blyth discuss the chances of a Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes sequel. While promoting the latest season of his series, Billy the Kid, Blyth spoke candidly about his hopes for a sequel to the smash-hit Hunger Games prequel. Blyth specifically mentioned that there is more to Coriolanus Snow's story, and that he would want to be around to help tell that tale. Despite his enthusiasm, no confirmation of a follow-up has been announced.

Read Blyth's comments below:

Yeah, yeah, yeah. It'd be a no-brainer. I feel like I was so fortunate to get to step into that world, and I really love everyone involved: Francis Lawrence, Nina Jacobson, and Suzanne Collins.

But it would be really cool to keep digging into that story, and I do think fans feel this too. I think they were very excited to reignite the world, and I think people feel like within that reigniting, there's more to do. There are more stories to delve into.

I do think there's more to Coriolanus’ story to delve into, whether he's the lead character or whether he's a periphery character and we look at someone else's story. But I think it'd be fascinating to see his continued rise to power and what happens along the way.

The Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes Sequel Is Not Confirmed

A Sequel Has Not Been Announced

A lack of inspiration has never stopped a franchise from being exploited in the past, and the possibility of more Hunger Games is a mere guessing game at this point.

Naturally, those involved with The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes have been rather tight-lipped about the possibility of a sequel, and nothing has been confirmed. Despite no clear indication, The Hunger Games franchise is a bona fide cash cow that could clearly justify more movies. A lack of inspiration has never stopped a franchise from being exploited in the past, and the possibility of more Hunger Games is a mere guessing game at this point.

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is available to stream on Starz

The Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes Sequel Producer & Cast Comments

A Mixed Response To Another Hunger Games Franchise Movie

As massive franchises continue to dominate box offices and fill up movie theaters, the time seems ripe for the beloved Hunger Games franchise to muscle its way back in after a bit of a hiatus. However, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes producer Nina Jacobson spoke rather candidly about what the prequel means in the larger context of a franchise. Of franchise movies, Jacobson said, "better to leave a franchise as something people feel fondly about rather than crank out a sequel for the sake of a sequel" (via CBR). That sentiment doesn't seem to bode well for a follow-up unless it has clear inspiration besides money.

Conversely, actor Tom Blythe, who stars as young Coriolanus Snow, has offered a different opinion, and he holds out hope that a sequel will be developed. "From all of us, I think there’s hope" Blythe said, "I think we all want to see those relationships play out further". Blythe also acknowledged the thought process of producer Nina Jacobson, and said that he respects their staunch refusal to make a sequel for a sequel's sake. Rachel Zegler has also expressed interest in a sequel, banking on her character Lucy Gray still being alive.

There Is No Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes Novel Sequel

Suzanne Collins Hasn't Written A Follow-Up

Author Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games book series has been the anchor for the film franchise, and filmmakers haven't deviated from her blueprints for any additional stories. With that in mind, it is important to note that Collins has never written a sequel to The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, and has yet to announce plans to do so. While it isn't entirely out of the question, it is highly unlikely that a new movie could happen before Collins pens another book set in the Hunger Games universe.

The Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes Sequel - Potential Story

Did Lucy Survive?

Even if producers seem reticent, and Collins hasn't written a new book, The Ballad of Sonbirds and Snakes did leave the door open for more. Much like in the book, the movie doesn't offer a definitive answer as to the fate of Lucy Gray (Rachel Zegler). Perhaps in a sequel to The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, Lucy could return to vex Snow (Tom Blyth) as he continues his rise to mad tyrannical power. Only time will tell if a sequel is even on the table, and its fate depends on several major factors.