Viola Davis Loved Making Tom Blyth 'Squirm' on the Hunger Games Set

Oscar-winner Viola Davis loved playing the villain alongside co-star Tom Blyth in A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.

Viola Davis loved playing the villain in A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Academy Award winner Viola Davis discussed her role as the villain in the Hunger Games prequel movie. The actress admitted that she loved playing the villain: "Just seeing how many times you can make someone squirm — like Tom Blyth, oh man it was a joy because he was very receptive to it, so I was just so happy about poking him." The actress plays Dr. Volumnia Gaul, the gamemaker for the 10th annual Hunger Games, an imposing and ominous figure in the story.

Davis Reveled in Her Villainous Duties as Volumnia Gaul

Davis recalled the moments in which she had to physically prod at Blyth, such as when she had to give his character stitches. "Loved it! Absolutely loved it," she said with a smile. Upon being asked what it was like to act alongside Blyth, Davis praised his performance and his adherence to his craft, telling the reporter that "it was a joy to play with him." In the upcoming prequel, Blyth plays a young Coriolanus Snow under the supervision of Davis' Dr. Volumnia Gaul. The plot follows Snow's ascension within the Capitol, struggling with his desire for status and a complex relationship with his mentee and District 12 tribute Lucy Gray Baird (Rachel Zegler).

In the same interview, Davis discussed the importance of wardrobe and makeup with regard to a role like this and feeling fully immersed in the world: "When you step out of the trailer, and you have the makeup and the hair and the beautiful costumes... you feel like you're that person. That you've transformed."