The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes star Viola Davis had one specific request for Dr. Volumnia Gaul’s appearance that isn’t in the prequel book, reveals makeup designer Sherri Berman Laurence. The upcoming film follows a young Coriolanus Snow (Tom Blyth) and the events that inspired him to become the tyrannical president of Panem, mainly his relationship with tribute Lucy Gray Baird (Rachel Zegler). The Hunger Games: Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes cast also includes Oscar winner Viola Davis as Dr. Volumnia Gaul, the Head Gamemaker during the 10th Hunger Games.
In an interview with People ahead of the Hunger Games: Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes release date, Laurence revealed one request that Davis had for Dr. Gaul’s appearance that isn’t the prequel book by Suzanne Collins. The makeup designer says the actress requested her character have different colored eyes, ultimately deciding on a “hazy” dark brown and a “piercing blue,” possibly from an experiment gone wrong. The makeup and prosthetics departments also attempted to make Davis appear older by adding facial scars. Read what Laurence shared below:
Between the hair, the costume, that eye, it really just took her to a scary place. Then you throw in her acting — I mean, come on. You could have heard a pin drop when she would walk [on set].
Who is Dr. Volumnia Gaul? Viola Davis’ Hunger Games Character Explained
Dr. Volumnia Gaul, a professor at the University, is also the Head Gamemaker during the 10th Hunger Games. Though Dr. Gaul didn’t directly create the games themselves, she is credited with implementing the cruelty that they are known for. With her expertise in obstetrics and biology, combined with her little to no consideration for human life, Dr. Gaul began breeding twisted mutations in an underground laboratory. Her role in the overarching Hunger Games story is especially important since she, given her belief in a totalitarian government, is the one who influences Snow’s descent into deceit and authority.
In the Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, Dr. Gaul is brought to life by the magnificent Viola Davis, who has four Academy Award nominations to her name and is known for playing ruthless villains, such as Amanda Waller in the DC Extended Universe. However, the Hunger Games prequel is the first time Davis has undergone a significant physical transformation to play a villain. Dr. Gaul’s eccentric appearance, inspired by Willy Wonka and Dr. Frankenstein, should make for a wonderfully wicked villain in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.
Key Release Date
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
Release Date:2023-11-17
