'West Side Story' Star Rachel Zegler Cast as Protagonist Lucy Gray Baird in 'Hunger Games' Prequel

Earlier today, it was announced that West Side Story star Rachel Zegler has been cast as Lucy Gray Baird in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.

Prequel to the Jennifer Lawrence-starring The Hunger Games series, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes focuses on a young Coriolanus Snow and his mentee Baird.

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is adapted from the 2020 Suzanne Collins book, which takes place decades before Lawrence's Katniss Everdeen ever participated in the survival game. The name Snow may be familiar to The Hunger Games fans, as the character eventually becomes the tyrannical leader of Panem.

According to Variety:

 "18-year-old Snow is chosen to mentor Lucy Gray, the female tribute from the impoverished District 12, during the 10th Hunger Games...In the novel, the unassuming Lucy 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."

Prior to seeing Zegler's starring turn in Steven Spielberg's West Side Story, producers had been looking high and low for the right actress to play Baird. It's said that Zegler's immense acting talent and vocal ability in that picture is what cemented her pick to play the role.

Lionsgate Motion Picture Group president Nathan Kahane revealed:

 "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."

Earlier today, Zegler herself seemed to confirm the news, Tweeting a cryptic Tweet - in which the first letter of each word spelled out Lucy Gray Baird.

Congratulations, Rachel Zegler! We're excited to see what she does with this demanding role.

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes drops in theaters November 17, 2023.

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