SHAZAM 2 Star Rachel Zegler Joins THE HUNGER GAMES Prequel As Lucy Gray Baird

SHAZAM 2 Star Rachel Zegler Joins THE HUNGER GAMES Prequel As Lucy Gray Baird

Rachel Zegler sent speculation into overdrive with a cryptic Tweet earlier this week, and we now have confirmation that she'll play Lucy Gray in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.

By MarkCassidy - Jun 01, 2022 08:06 AM EST
Source: Via SFF Gazette

A rumor did the rounds earlier this week that Shazam! Fury of the Gods actress Rachel Zegler had landed the female lead role in Lionsgate's upcoming The Hunger Games prequel, and Variety has now confirmed that the West Side Story star will play Lucy Gray Baird in The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.

Zegler actually teased the announcement by sending out the following Tweet, with fans quickly deciphering that the first letter of each word spells out the name of her character.

“Like everybody, I first saw Rachel Zegler in ‘West Side Story,’ and like everybody, I knew I was watching a star who would command the screen for a generation,” said director Francis Lawrence. “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.”

Based on Suzanne Collins’ 2020 book of the same name, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes takes place decades before The Hunger Games, which means Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) won't factor in to the story. Instead, this prequel will focus on a younger Coriolanus Snow, an ambitious boy who eventually becomes the tyrannical leader of Panem.

Tom Blyth (Billy the Kid, The Gilded Age) will play the 18-year-old Snow, who ends up being assigned to mentor District 12 tribute Lucy Gray Baird. In the novel, Gray "sparks everyone’s attention by singing during the reaping ceremony. With her talent and charm, Snow believes he may be able to turn the odds in their favor to win the games."

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes will be released in theaters on Nov. 17, 2023.

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bkmeijer1
bkmeijer1 - 6/1/2022, 8:24 AM
I have zero interest in a Hunger Games prequel (and just YA stuff in general nowadays), it is cool to see Zegler get some big roles. Think she'll be a big star in no time
Walken
Walken - 6/1/2022, 4:42 PM
@Waddles - She is very likable right now. I like her. And so sexy too.
BlackStar25
BlackStar25 - 6/1/2022, 8:25 AM
Cool! Great for her. Hope the movie turns out great. Not really interested in a prequel tho
Godzilla2000Zer
Godzilla2000Zer - 6/1/2022, 8:25 AM
Cool

OT: PREHISTORIC PLANET IS FRICKING AWESOME
Godzilla2000Zer
Godzilla2000Zer - 6/1/2022, 8:27 AM
5TH Quarter Quell with Haymitch would be the best prequel I'm surprised Suzanne Collins didn't write that instead
MarkCassidy
MarkCassidy - 6/1/2022, 8:28 AM
Very little interest, although I think the Hunger Games movies (especially the first) are underrated. Zegler was excellent in West Side Story though (movie was meh).
UGLYsonic
UGLYsonic - 6/1/2022, 8:32 AM
I think I watched the first 2 Hunger Games a fell asleep in the theater for the 3rd and didn't bother finishing it later or the franchise as a whole. I didn't understand the point of any of it and it felt difficult to follow.

Unless something about a trailer catches my interest, I probably won't be seeing or following this.

I didn't think adapting these kinda YA series was still a thing. I was happy to leave that in the early 2000s. I understand these are to young girls what comic book movies are to young boys, we want cheesy heroes taken seriously and they want cheesy romance taken seriously.... but.... well actually I don't think I have a point beyond that.

Meh. I need to get some sleep.
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