If you thought you could say goodbye to The Hunger Games franchise, think again!

Lionsgate announced a new chapter of the billion-dollar franchise during its CinemaCon 2022 presentation. The film, which has been officially titled Hunger Games Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes will arrive in cinemas on Nov. 17, 2023.

Hunger Games Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is a prequel to the original franchise, with the film cantering on an 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow – the man who would eventually become the tyrannical president of Panem.

The prequel will be directed by Francis Lawrence, who helmed previous franchise offerings Catching Fire, Mockingjay Part One and Mockingjay Part Two.

The official synopsis for the film reads, “In this return to The Hunger Games, years before he would become the tyrannical President of Panem, 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow sees a chance for a change in fortunes when he is chosen to be a mentor to Lucy Gray Baird, the girl tribute from impoverished District 12.”

It’s hardly surprising to learn that a prequel to The Hunger Games is in development. The series is one of the highest-grossing film franchise’s of all-time, grossing almost $3 Billion at the worldwide box-office.

Are you excited to see a new chapter of The Hunger Games franchise? Let us know in the comments section below!