News of the Week: Our First Look At The Hunger Games Prequel Movie Arrives

We’re halfway through August, and school is just around the corner (or already here for some). Even though August is typically a slow month for Hollywood, that doesn’t mean we’re without exciting movie news and announcements. This week brings an exciting first look about a big prequel movie, a tease about a beloved horror movie villain’s return, a beloved classic movie getting a remake, and more.

As always, Atom Insider brings you a few hand-picked stories we think you’ll like. Ready? Let’s dive in.

Lionsgate Sets Release Date For New ‘Saw’ Movie & Taps Director

The Saw franchise is returning, with Saw 10 officially confirmed to be in the works for horror fans around the world. It’s been teased for some time, but what isn’t clear is whether or not it will continue the story of Chris Rock’s detective from last year’s Spiral, or the mainline series and pick up from 2017’s Jigsaw. However, writer Josh Stolberg, who wrote the scripts for both of the aforementioned films, has teased that it’s his favorite movie he’s written in the franchise yet. Kevin Greutert, who directed the sixth and seventh movies in the franchise, will be back to helm Saw 10.

Meanwhile, producers Mark Burg and Oren Koules teased that it will have “what fans have been asking for.” This almost certainly means the return of Saw franchise veteran Tobin Bell as Jigsaw. Jigsaw’s return would complicate the already complicated timeline of the Saw franchise, but if Bell returns, it’s doubtful that fans will care.

Currently, Saw 10 is set for a release date of October 27, 2023, just in time for Halloween.

First Look At ‘Hunger Games’ Prequel Movie ‘The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’

The Hunger Games prequel movie The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes got two exciting developments this week. First came the news that Viola Davis is joining the cast as Head Gamemaker Volumnia Gaul, so expect the character to be menacingly complex. The second bit of news is that the first look has been released, an image of Tom Blyth as young Coriolanus Snow and Rachel Zegler as Lucy Gray Baird:

Here’s the synopsis:

“Years before he would become the tyrannical President of Panem, 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow is the last hope for his fading lineage, a once-proud family that has fallen from grace in a post-war Capitol. With the 10th annual Hunger Games fast approaching, the young Snow is alarmed when he is assigned to mentor Lucy Gray Baird, the girl tribute from impoverished District 12. But, after Lucy Gray commands all of Panem’s attention by defiantly singing during the reaping ceremony, Snow thinks he might be able to turn the odds in their favor. Uniting their instincts for showmanship and newfound political savvy, Snow and Lucy’s race against time to survive will ultimately reveal who is a songbird, and who is a snake.”

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is set to hit theaters on November 17, 2023.

‘Hawkeye’ Directors To Direct ‘Big Thunder Mountain’ Movie For Disney

Disney’s Big Thunder Mountain movie is preparing to charge down the tracks, and it appears they’re keeping it in-house to do so. Deadline reports that Hawkeye directors Bert & Bertie are in final talks to direct the movie, with their pitch to the studio reportedly really exciting execs. The project continues Disney’s string of big feature films based on their theme park rides. Big Thunder Mountain is one of Disney’s most recognizable rides, a mine cart roller coaster ride set in an old-time town where gold is discovered. It’s not yet known what the plot of the Big Thunder Mountain movie will be, but considering Bert & Bertie’s background with Hawkeye and Our Flag Means Death, it’s entirely possible the movie may lean more on the comedic side. Kieran and Michele Mulroney are busy penning the script. It doesn’t yet have a release date, but we can expect to hear more news on that front soon.

Robert De Niro To Star In Mob Drama ‘Wise Guys’

Robert De Niro is returning to the genre that launched his career, with him boarding director Barry Levinson’s mob drama Wise Guys. Interestingly, it’s being reported that De Niro will be pulling double duty on this movie. Wise Guys, set in the mid-20th century, tells the story of Vito Genovese and Frank Costello, rivals and heads of two separate crime families. In 1957, Genovese tries and fails to assassinate Costello, though the latter leaves the mob life shortly thereafter. Reportedly, De Niro will be playing both roles, which will be interesting. Just as exciting is the fact that Nicholas Pileggi is penning the script, with him having been nominated for an Oscar for his work writing the classic mob movie Goodfellas. Levinson is also an Oscar winner, as is De Niro, so the pedigree behind this project is already prestigious. If anything had a chance at an Oscar before it even started filming, Wise Guys is it.

‘The Wizard of Oz’ Is Getting A Remake

One of Hollywood’s most iconic films is getting the remake treatment. Deadline reports that Warner Bros. has tapped Kenya Barris to write and direct a reimagining of The Wizard of Oz, with Khalabo Ink Society producing. Barris has been tight-lipped on details, but it will reportedly be a modern reimagining of the classic 1939 film. What is certain, though, is that with Barris as the creative force behind it, the Wizard of Oz remake will be bold and unexpected. As the creator of the groundbreaking TV series Black-ish, Barris is no stranger to shaking it up. Next month, he and Kid Cudi are launching the Entergalactic TV event, which combines art, fashion, music, and adult animation to tell a story about Black love in New York City, based on Kid Cudi’s pending album of the same name. With Entergalactic, it’s possible we could get a small tease of what to expect with Barris’ Wizard of Oz remake.