Rachel Zegler, who found fame after starring in Steven Spielberg’s ‘West Side Story‘, will be seen next in ‘The Hunger Games’ prequel titled ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’. She will play the role of Lucy Gray Baird in the upcoming film.
Lionsgate will release the film in theaters on November 17, 2023. Francis Lawrence, who directed three of the four Hunger Games movies – ‘Catching Fire‘, ‘Mockingjay Part One‘, and ;Mockingjay Part Two‘ – will direct the prequel.
Related: ‘Hunger Games’ Author Suzanne Collins Announces New Prequel Set For Release In 2025
Rachel Zegler To Star In ‘Hunger Games’ Prequel
The new movie – ‘The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’ is based on Suzanne Collins’s novel, whose book series has been adapted into the popular blockbuster franchise, ‘The Hunger Games‘.
Rachel Zegler will play the character of Lucy Gray Baird, who is a tribute from the impoverished District 12. The actress is paired with Tom Blyth, who plays Coriolanus Snow. About Rachel’s casting producer Nina Jacobson shared in a statement, “Rachel is utterly compelling; just like Lucy Gray, her voice and charisma command the stage while her inner strength and humanity transform those around her.”
The film takes place decades before Katniss Everdeen’s (Jennifer Lawrence) arrival in the 74th Hunger Games.
In case you missed: ‘The Hunger Games’: Is Lucy Gray Baird Related To Katniss Everdeen?
About ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’
The prequel’s official description reads, “Years before he would become the tyrannical President of Panem, 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow is the last hope for his fading lineage, a once-proud family that has fallen from grace in a post-war Capitol. With the 10th annual Hunger Games fast approaching, the young Snow is alarmed when he is assigned to mentor Lucy Gray Baird, the girl tribute from impoverished District 12. But, after Lucy Gray commands all of Panem’s attention by defiantly singing during the reaping ceremony, Snow thinks he might be able to turn the odds in their favor.”
It further adds, “Uniting their instincts for showmanship and newfound political savvy, Snow and Lucy’s race against time to survive will ultimately reveal who is a songbird, and who is a snake.”
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