“The Hunger Games universe is expanding”: The prequel movie is officially in the works

At times like these, even the smallest updates from the world of TV and film can go a long way towards sustaining the masses.

And if those updates just so happen to come in the form of a highly-anticipated movie prequel or sequel, all the better. With that in mind, let's pause for a moment to celebrate the news that a new Hunger Games film is currently in the works at Lionsgate.

Oh, so you thought we were done? The Hunger Games universe is expanding. Get ready for The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, coming to a big screen near you. https://t.co/K8Wi8YuWOQ pic.twitter.com/ZNzVL5HzK2

— Lionsgate (@Lionsgate) April 21, 2020

In a tweet announcing the news this week, the studio wrote: "Oh, so you thought we were done? The Hunger Games universe is expanding. Get ready for The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, coming to a big screen near you." That's right; Suzanne Collins' forthcoming novel, which tells the story of 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow, is set to be adapted for the silver screen. And if you're wondering whether Francis Lawrence will return to direct the feature film, wonder no more. The filmmaker, who directed three of the four hugely successful Hunger Games films, will be doing what he does best on this one too. Commenting on the upcoming project, Suzanne said: "It’s such a pleasure to be reuniting with Nina, Francis, and Michael to adapt the novel to the screen, and having them share their remarkable talents, once again, with the world of Panem." "I look forward to collaborating with them and all at Lionsgate as we bring The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes to theaters worldwide." Naturally, fans of the franchise have fallen on the news with delight, tweeting their excitement in the hours that followed the announcement, with the equally excited studio chiming in throughout the thread and responding to fans' messages. Nothing like some mutual fangirling. Now listen, all celebrating aside, we're going to have to show a little patience for the time being. Why? Well, the release date for the movie has yet to be confirmed. We know, we know, but in the meantime, fans of The Hunger Games won't have to wait too long for the aforementioned novel as it is due for release in May! Feel better? Thought so.