Hollywood veteran John Malkovich is stepping into one of his darkest roles yet—though not in the way theatergoers might expect. The Academy Award–nominated actor will appear on screen as President Coriolanus Snow in the first-ever stage adaptation of The Hunger Games, which premieres later this month in London.
Adapted by celebrated Irish playwright Conor McPherson (Girl From the North Country) and directed by Matthew Dunster (Hangmen), the highly anticipated production begins previews October 20 at the brand-new Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre. Official opening night is scheduled for November 12.
Malkovich’s involvement is one of the biggest surprises in recent stage news. His performance as the ruthless ruler of Panem won’t be live but filmed, projected as an integral part of the storytelling at every performance. “I’m delighted to join the world premiere production of The Hunger Games in London, bringing this iconic story to the stage,” Malkovich said in a statement. “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.”
The rest of the cast will bring Panem to life in person. Mia Carragher stars as Katniss Everdeen, with Euan Garrett as Peeta Mellark, Joshua Lacey as Haymitch Abernathy, Tristan Waterson as Gale Hawthorne, Tamsin Carroll as Effie Trinket, and Stavros Demetraki as Caesar Flickerman. Nathan Ives-Moiba will double as Cinna and the Mayor, Sophia Ally will play Prim Everdeen, and Ruth Everett will take on the role of Mrs. Everdeen.
The Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre, built specifically for this production, is a 1,200-seat theater-in-the-round venue, designed to immerse audiences directly into the action. That immersive element is crucial for a story that has always thrived on high stakes and world-building.
McPherson’s adaptation focuses on the first book in Collins’s bestselling series, which was also the source for the 2012 Lionsgate film starring Jennifer Lawrence. At its heart, The Hunger Games is a dystopian survival tale that doubles as a political allegory. The story follows Katniss Everdeen, a teenage girl from the impoverished District 12, who volunteers for the Games in place of her sister. Alongside Peeta Mellark, she must fight not only for her life in a deadly televised tournament but also for the hope of a nation oppressed by the Capitol.
Bringing The Hunger Games to the stage is both a bold and logical move. The franchise has sold over 100 million books worldwide, spawned four blockbuster films, and remains a staple of young adult literature. Its themes of resilience, rebellion, and survival resonate strongly with modern audiences, making it ripe for theatrical reinvention.
With Malkovich’s icy portrayal of President Snow looming over the stage, the production is expected to balance spectacle with psychological intensity. For fans of the novels, the movies, or Malkovich’s decades-spanning career, this promises to be one of the most unique theater events of the year.