Hunger Games prequel explores young Coriolanus Snow's transformation into sinister leader

Director Francis Lawrence initially cast Rachel Zegler as heroine Lucy Gray Baird but she dropped out due to scheduling conflicts.
Lawrence remains open to prequel films about Haymitch and Finnick but stresses the need for a strong thematic foundation.
Tom Blythe was cast as young Snow after impressing with his audition chemistry with Zegler, transforming into a "bad man."
The prequel follows Snow mentoring Lucy Gray Baird in the 10th Hunger Games during his final Academy year.
Producer Nina Jacobson praises Blythe's compelling performance capturing Snow's change from young idealist to sinister leader.