The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes has found its lead in Rachel Zegler.
As reported by THR, Zegler, who is argubaly most known for starring in West Side Story (2021), will play the lead role of Lucy Gray Baird. The protagonist of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, which serves as a prequel to the popular Hunger Games franchise, Lucy is the female tribute from District 12 and fights her way through the 10th installment of the deadly battle royale. She was also in a relationship with Coriolanus Snow, who goes on to become the tyrannical president of Panem.
“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,” Nathan Kahane, president, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, said in a statement.
At the time of writing, very little is known about the adapatation of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. The novel, which was also penned by The Hunger Games author Suzanne Collins, tells the story of a young Coriolanus Snow as he mentors Lucy Gray Baird ahead of her participation in the deadly tounament. Tom Blyth (The Gilded Age) is set to play Snow while the wider cast list has yet to be officially unveiled.
Speaking about Blyth's participation in the film, franchise producer Nina Jacobson enthused that the actor would shatter fan's perception of the sinister Hunger Games villain. "Tom's performance will both fulfill and disrupt everything you think you know about Coriolanus Snow. He's a tremendous talent who will show why Snow always lands on top," Jacobson said. Director Francis Lawrence, echoed these sentiments, noting that Blythe's performance "showed us all the complex ambiguities of this young man as he transforms into the tyrant he would become."
Released in 2020, Collins' The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes recieved generally positive reviews from critics. Many praised its interwoven themes and world-building which further fleshed out the mysterious universe of The Hunger Games. While many readers enjoyed the book, sound found its approach to darker topics lackluster. How closely the film will follow the novel remains to be seen.
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes will open in theaters on Nov. 17, 2023.
Source: THR