Title: Lionsgate’s “The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes” Aims for a Global Start Exceeding $100 Million
Lionsgate is generating significant buzz in the entertainment industry with the upcoming release of “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes,” the eagerly anticipated prequel to Suzanne Collins’ iconic series. The film is expected to make a global splash by surpassing $100 million in its opening weekend.
The novel, set in the early days of the Hunger Games, delves into the origin story of the series’ notorious antagonist, Coriolanus Snow. Fans can expect a gripping narrative that sheds light on the character’s transformation into the ruthless leader depicted in the original trilogy.
Industry insiders predict that “The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes” will earn an impressive $50 million within the United States, while also attracting a parallel international sum of $50 million. These figures attest to the enduring popularity of the franchise and the demand for this captivating installment.
Notably, Lionsgate managed to organize a Hollywood global premiere for the film, thanks to an interim agreement with the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). This arrangement allowed the studio, a non-AMPTP company, to carry out a grand premiere event, further amplifying the excitement surrounding the movie.
The talented cast includes Rachel Zegler, Viola Davis, Peter Dinklage, Jason Schwartzman, and Tom Blyth, who embodies the complex character of Coriolanus Snow. With such a stellar ensemble, audiences can expect a powerful and nuanced portrayal of the story’s central figures.
While the novel’s sales didn’t quite match the overwhelming success of Collins’ previous works, the studio remains optimistic. Lionsgate hopes that positive word of mouth will resonate with the coveted female 12-34 demographic and ultimately contribute to the film’s triumph.
“The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes” is set to enchant audiences in over 3,700 locations across North America, including premium-format screens. Additionally, the movie will be released in 87 key territories, excluding Japan, where fans will have to wait until December 22 to experience this highly anticipated chapter.
Early previews in select markets have already shown promising results, particularly among women under 25, who have responded favorably to the film’s captivating storyline. Moreover, the previous films in the Hunger Games franchise have consistently received positive audience ratings, with the first film earning an A CinemaScore, and subsequent installments receiving A and A- scores.
Adding to the box office competition, three other highly anticipated films will debut alongside “The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes” during the pre-Thanksgiving weekend. Universal/Dreamworks Animation’s “Trolls Band Together” aims to secure an opening haul of $20-30 million, while TriStar/Spyglass Media’s Thanksgiving horror film is targeting $12-15 million. Searchlight’s soccer comedy “Next Goal Wins,” on the other hand, is expected to open with a modest single-digit figure.
For movie enthusiasts seeking a different flavor, the limited release of Amazon/MGM’s thriller noir “Saltburn” offers a compelling option. Garnering a 79% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, this film promises a gripping and gritty cinematic experience.
With Lionsgate’s “The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes” projected to dominate the box office and an array of diverse film choices available, this pre-Thanksgiving weekend is shaping up to be a memorable one for moviegoers worldwide.
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