'The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes': Cast, trailer and when it hits theaters

A prequel to the massively popular "Hunger Games" franchise is set to hit theaters this November.

Close to a decade after the final movie in the worldwide sensation "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2" hit theaters, the prequel "The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes" tells the story of the origins of the future President Coriolanus Snow, as he mentors District 12 tribute Lucy Gray Baird in the 10th annual Hunger Games.

The movie is based on the bestselling book of the same name by Suzanne Collins, published in 2020.

Here's what to know about the release date, cast and trailer for "The Hunger Games: Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes," starring Rachel Zegler and Tom Blyth, and set 64 years before the events of the first "Hunger Games."

When is 'The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes' theater release date?

"The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes" will have a live IMAX fan event in select theaters on Nov. 13. Cities with the special screening include Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, San Francisco and Seattle.

The film's cast and filmmakers will go live from the red carpet at the TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX in Los Angeles, giving exclusive content about the making of the movie, followed by an advance screening.

The movie hits theaters nationwide Nov. 17. As of now, fans can only see the movie in theaters.

Where to buy 'The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes' tickets

Tickets to see the movie can be purchased on the theaters' websites, including Cinemark Theatres, AMC Theatres and Regal Cinemas. They can also be purchased via Fandango and through "The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes" official movie website.

'The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes' cast

The movie is a prequel to the "Hunger Games" franchise, set decades before Jennifer Lawrence's Katniss Everdeen is born. Only a few character names may be immediately familiar, including a much younger Coriolanus Snow, played by Tom Blyth. Here's who else makes up the main cast.

• Tom Blyth: Coriolanus Snow
• Rachel Zegler: Lucy Gray Baird
• Josh Andres Rivera: Sejanus Plinth
• Viola Davis: Dr. Volumnia Gaul
• Hunter Schafer: Tigris Snow
• Jason Schwartzman: Lucretius "Lucky" Flickerman
• Peter Dinklage: Casca Highbottom
• Ashley Liao: Clemensia Dovecote
• Fionnula Flanagan: Grandma'am
• Burn Gorman: Commander Hoff

'The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes' trailer

Here's a look at the second trailer for "The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes," which was released Sept. 20.

'The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes' reviews

USA TODAY rated "The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes" 3 out of 4 stars, calling the movie "an enticing blend of dystopian action epic and musical drama that surpasses the previous films starring Jennifer Lawrence."

Variety's review said the movie "feels like a natural extension of the saga, balancing blood sport, endangered young love and a heightened level of political commentary that respects the intelligence of young audiences as only (book author Suzanne) Collins can."

The movie currently has a 65% score on Rotten Tomatoes based on 43 reviews, and does not yet have an audience rating.

Review:'Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes' is the best 'Hunger Games' movie of them all