As anticipation builds for the release of the latest film in the Hunger Games franchise, Tom Blyth has opened up about his experience portraying a younger Coriolanus Snow. The actor, who plays the character in “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes,” has revealed that he has not had any conversations with Ralph Fiennes regarding their shared role. Fiennes will don the sinister mantle of Snow once again in the upcoming prequel “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping,” which is set to hit cinemas on 20 November.
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In an exclusive discussion with PEOPLE during the premiere of his Broadway show “A Few Good Men,” Blyth, 31, shared insights about his journey as an actor and his interaction, or lack thereof, with Fiennes. The younger Snow expressed a light-hearted sentiment, noting, “I haven’t talked to Ralph Fiennes. I think he’s fine without my help,” and laughed as he conveyed his thoughts on the matter.
Their roles as Snow span across different periods of the character’s life, providing a unique opportunity to explore his progression. Fiennes, who is 63, will showcase the character’s evolution into a power-hungry leader, a dramatic departure from Blyth’s interpretation in the earlier film, which takes place two decades earlier.
Although Blyth has not communicated with Fiennes, he revealed that he keeps in touch with several colleagues from the franchise. “I text with [film director] Francis Lawrence frequently,” he mentioned, highlighting the camaraderie that exists among the cast and crew from “The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.” This connection remains important to Blyth as the franchise continues to expand.
Looking forward to the new film, Blyth expressed his eagerness to see the latest project. “It looks really great. They’ve done a really good job with it,” he stated, signalling his support for the new direction of the franchise as it ventures further into the complexities of its characters and setting.
In addition to his work in the Hunger Games series, Blyth is currently performing as Lt. Daniel Kaffee in the Broadway revival of “A Few Good Men,” a role famously portrayed by Tom Cruise in the 1992 film. Interestingly, Blyth has also not consulted with Cruise about the role, stating, “I’m trying to do my own thing.” Like his approach with Fiennes, he aims to carve out his own interpretation, focusing on making his performance unique.
Blyth further elaborated on his desire to avoid imitation, indicating that while he acknowledges the excellence of prior performances, he felt it vital to create his own version of the character. “You want to follow in someone’s footsteps — of like the great choices they made — but you don’t want to follow in their shadow,” he remarked, emphasising the importance of authenticity in his craft.
In order to keep his portrayal fresh, Blyth stated, “The only way to keep it fresh and make it feel right is to make it feel like it’s the first time it’s ever happened.” He acknowledged his admiration for Cruise’s performance but shared that he consciously avoided watching the earlier film since childhood to prevent imitation of the well-regarded role.
As the launch date for “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping” approaches, audiences can certainly expect Blyth’s unique take on Coriolanus Snow to add a refreshing layer to the character’s extensive backstory. Tickets for “A Few Good Men” are now available, with Blyth carrying a promising momentum into his cinematic and theatrical pursuits.
With a combination of nostalgia and fresh interpretations, the Hunger Games franchise shows no signs of slowing down, offering fans both a return to the familiar and an invitation into new narratives. As Blyth continues to establish his career, it remains to be seen how both he and Fiennes will shape the legacy of one of literature and cinema’s most complex antagonists.
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