Rachel Zegler, known for her role as Maria in Stephen Spielberg’s West Side Story remake, has been cast as Lucy Gray Baird in Lionsgate’s Hunger Games prequel, “The Hunger Games: The Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes.” She made history by winning the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical at the age of 20. Additionally, Zegler will star as Snow White in Disney’s upcoming live-action film.
Thrilled to Welcome Zegler
Per Deadline, Nathan Kahane, the president of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, commented on Zegler’s casting announcement. Kahane expressed, “In Suzanne’s book, Lucy Gray’s emotional intelligence, physical agility, and strong, determined singing voice are evident. Rachel possesses all of these qualities and is the ideal fit for our Lucy Gray.”
In addition, Hunger Games director Francis Lawrence is set to helm The Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes. According to Variety, Lawrence remarked, “When I first saw Rachel Zegler in ‘West Side Story,’ I knew I was witnessing a star who would captivate audiences for years to come.”
Rachel Zegler: Girl on Fire For a New Generation
Michael Lesslie is working on the screenplay adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ novel. Moreover, Lionsgate has announced that the prequel to Collins’ hugely successful dystopian YA trilogy series will premiere in theaters on November 17, 2023.
If you’re craving more Zegler before then, fear not! Almost a year before her debut as Lucy Gray Baird, Zegler will appear in DC Comics’ Shazam! Fury of the Gods. The DC film will hit theaters in December.
Will Rachel Zegler give us a new Katniss Everdeen?
Jennifer Lawrence’s career skyrocketed after her portrayal of the famous, badass female character from Suzanne Collins’ original trilogy. Honestly, Rachel Zegler stays in the spotlight. And really, her career is already at super-star level. Lucy Gray, however, might be the role that takes her to the next level.
