With the recent reveal thatLionsgateis working on adapting Suzanne Collins’Hunger Gamesprequel novelThe Ballad of Songbirds and Snakesinto a big-screen feature, fans are anxiously awaiting more news about what they can expect in the upcoming film. Now it’s just been revealed thatWest Side Storyactress Rachel Zegler has been cast in a lead role.
The story ofThe Ballad of Songbirds and Snakesis set to follow a young Snow, years before he would be appointed as the president of Panem. With the 10th annual Hunger games looming, Snow is assigned to be a mentor for Lucy Gray Baird, a female tribute from District 12. However, Lucy Gray shows resistance after singing during the reaping ceremony, causing all the District’s eyes to now be on her. But together Snow and Lucy race against time and vie to survive.
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Zegler is set to star in the role of Lucy Gray Baird alongside actor Tom Blyth, who was recently announced to be portraying young Coriolanus Snow, a character previously portrayed by actor Donald Sutherland inthe originalHunger Gamestrilogy. The most recent draft of the adaptation has been written by Michael Lesslie, which is set to build on the work of the original novel, and it’s being overseen by Meredith Wieck and Scott O’Brien from Lionsgate. The film is also set to be directed by Francis Lawerence, who directedCatching Fire,Mockingjay Part One, andMockingjay Part Two,which collectively grossed over $3 billion at the box office worldwide.
President of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Nathan Kathane gushed about attaching Zegler totheHunger Gamesprequel. “When you read Suzanne’s book, Lucy Gray’s emotional intelligence, physical agility, and fiercely powerful, determined singing voice shine through,” Kathane said. “Rachel embodies all of those skills – she is the perfect choice for our Lucy Gray.” He went on to add that, like the rest of the world, he was introduced to Zegler’s talents when he first watched the recentWest Side Story, adding that “Lucy Gray is a perfect match for her as an actress: the character is bold, independent, and defiant, but also vulnerable, emotional, and loving. Rachel will make this character unforgettable.”
Zegler even shared her own enthusiasm about landing the role via Instagram, sharing an article that revealed the news and a photo of her reaction when she received the call that she would be the one bringing the character of Lucy Gray Baird to life.Collins crafted theHunger Gamesworld to return to theaters, and fans are anticipating what’s to come and are excited to see what Zegler will bring to the table and the big screen
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakesis set to hit theaters worldwide on November 17th, 2023.
