Hunger Games prequel movie officially in the works

The Hunger Games franchise is officially getting a prequel movie based on an upcoming novel by trilogy writer Suzanne Collins.

"The Hunger Games universe is expanding. Get ready for The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, coming to a big screen near you," said Lionsgate on Twitter.

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

According to the Hollywood Reporter's report on Tuesday, Collins will not only write the film's treatment, but also serve as the new film's executive producer.

Nina Jacobson, who produced all of the films in the blockbuster franchise, will come back to produce the adaptation of the new novel.

Meanwhile, "Mockingjay" director Francis Lawrence and "Catching Fire" screenplay writer Michael Arndt will also return to work on the new film.

The prequel follows Coriolanus Snow when he was just 18 years old.

Before he became the tyrannical President of Panem, Snow was chosen to be a mentor for the 10th Hunger Games. Just when he thought he could change his circumstances, he gets assigned ironically to a girl tribute from the impoverished District 12.

In 2012, Lionsgate debuted the first of four blockbuster films based on Collins' Hunger Games novels which revolved around protagonist Katniss Everdeen's fight for survival amid a dangerous game.

Although there's been no word yet on the prequel film's cast, Collins' prequel novel "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes" is set to be released this coming May 19. —Kaela Malig/MGP, GMA News