Rachel Zegler Cast As Lucy Gray Baird In 'The Hunger Games' Prequel Movie

Actress Rachel Zegler is going from West Side Story to Panem!

On Tuesday, The Hollywood Reporter announced that the dancer has been cast as Lucy Gray Baird in “The Hunger Games” prequel movie, called “The Ballad Of Songbirds and Snakes.”

In 2020, Lionsgate announced that they were planning on making a movie based on Suzanne Collins’ novel of the same name. The prequel series follows the life of President Coriolanus Snow over a decade before he became President of Panem. In the movies, an older President Snow is portrayed by veteran actor Donald Sutherland.

A synopsis for the movie 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. 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.”

Zegler has been cast as Lucy, the female tribute from District 12. District 12 is also where Katniss Everdeen hails from. The protagonist of the original film series was played by Jennifer Lawrence in the four movie adaptions: The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, Mockingjay: Part One, and Mockingjay, Part Two.

Nathan Kahane, president, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, praised Zegler’s casting. In a statement, Kahane said, “When you read Suzanne’s book, Lucy Gray’s emotional intelligence, physical agility, and fiercely powerful, determined singing voice shine through. Rachel embodies all of those skills — she is the perfect choice for our Lucy Gray.”

Francis Lawrence, who directed almost all of “The Hunger Games” movies, is returning to direct the prequel movie as well. The movie will be produced by Lawrence, Nina Jacobson, and Brad Simpson.

According to Entertainment Weekly, Tom Blyth, who plays the titular role in the "Billy the Kid" series, has been cast as a young President Snow in Lionsgate's adaptation of "The Hunger Games" prequel.

In a statement, Lawrence said, "Coriolanus Snow is many things — a survivor, a loyal friend, a cutthroat, a kid quick to fall in love, and a young man ambitious to his core."

He continued, "Tom's take on the character showed us all the complex ambiguities of this young man as he transforms into the tyrant he would become."

Producers Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson also praised Tom's performance in the film. In a statement, Jacobson said, "Tom's performance will both fulfill and disrupt everything you think you know about Coriolanus Snow."

She continued, "He's a tremendous talent who will show why Snow always lands on top."

"The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes" is currently scheduled to hit theaters on November 17, 2023.