John Malkovich will portray President Coriolanus Snow in the upcoming stage adaptation of The Hunger Games, set to open at the Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre in London in October 2025. The production, adapted by Conor McPherson and directed by Matthew Dunster, aims to bring Suzanne Collins’ acclaimed novel to life with immersive theatrical techniques.
Immersive Staging and Innovative Technology Bring Panem to Life
The creative team has spent over a year workshopping the play, refining an in-the-round staging concept designed to fully immerse audiences within the world of Panem. Rather than performing live, John Malkovich will appear on screen as President Snow, a role described as being
“brought to life inside Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre with cutting-edge technology.”
Expressing enthusiasm, Malkovich shared,
“I’m delighted to join the world premiere production of The Hunger Games in London, bringing this iconic story to the stage. Playing President Coriolanus Snow will be thrilling, because I have long been an admirer of Suzanne Collins’s novels, the films and Conor McPherson’s writing, and it is a privilege to take on this role.”
Leading Cast Members and Their Roles in the Production
The central character Katniss Everdeen is played by Mia Carragher, with Euan Garrett as Peeta Mellark and Joshua Lacey as Haymitch Abernathy. Other notable cast members include Tristan Waterson as Gale Hawthorne, Sophia Ally as Primrose Everdeen, and Ruth Everett as Mrs. Everdeen. Tamsin Carroll portrays Effie Trinket, Stavros Demetraki plays Caesar Flickerman, and Nathan Ives-Moiba assumes the role of Cinna.
Additional cast includes Aiya Agustin as the Tribute Rue, Liana Cottrill as Tribute Clove, Lewis Easter as Tribute Marvel, Marcellus Hill as Tribute Thresh, Jessica Lee portraying Tribute Tippet, Mariana Lewis as Tribute Glimmer, Felipe Pacheo in the role of Tribute Cato and fight captain, Mark Samaras as Tribute Drove, Artemis Stamouli as Tribute Fossa and movement captain, and Rory Toms as Tribute Fila. A number of swings and ensemble members also complete the cast.
Creative Team and Production Details Behind the Scenes
Joining McPherson and Dunster, the creative team features Miriam Buether as set designer, Moi Tran as costume designer, Charlotte Broom as choreographer, Lucy Carter as lighting designer, Ian Dickinson from Autograph as sound designer, and Tal Rosner as video designer. Chris Fisher handles illusions, Kev McCurdy directs the fight scenes, and Suspended Illusions manage performer flying effects. James Maloney serves as arranger, musical director, and composer, with Amy Ball as casting director. James Robert Moore is the associate director, Robyn Grant the creative assistant director, Luke Smith associate set designer, and Lloyd Thomas the production manager.
The Hunger Games Legacy and Anticipated Impact of the New Stage Adaptation
The Hunger Games series has achieved massive global success, having sold over 100 million copies and been translated into 52 languages. The film adaptations have collectively earned more than $3.4 billion worldwide. Earlier this year, a new installment titled Sunrise on the Reaping was published, with its film version slated for release in November 2026.
This stage production will premiere in the newly constructed Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre, a 1,200-seat venue tailored for immersive theatrical experiences. The show’s in-the-round design will seat the audience as if they were within one of Panem’s districts, notably excluding District 12, adding a unique perspective to the storytelling. Performances will officially begin on October 20, 2025, following a preview period running through November 12.
