There will be a prequel to The Hunger Games with Rachel Zegler

The actress from the remake of History of the west side Directed by Steven Spielberg Rachel Zeglerwill be the protagonist of The ballad of songbirds and snakes (The ballad of songbirds and snakes)a prequel to success The hunger games That It will be released in November 2023.

Zegler had ignited intrigues with a recent enigmatic post: “Listen … can you guys grow up quietly? Are you becoming an individual who rests firmly?“The most attentive fans have understood this the first letter of each word (in English) allowed to write the name of the character Lucy Gray Bairdprotagonist of Games…

The new film will also be an adaptation of the book of the same name, written by Susanne Collinsand that places the story decades before the adventures of Katniss Everdeen The hunger games. This means Jennifer Lawrence, who became a celebrity in the first film in the saga, will not be part of this new film.

The ballad of songbirds and snakes centers on Coriolanus Snow, an ambitious boy who eventually becomes the tyrannical leader of the dystopian country of Panem.. Tom Blyth will play the young Snow.

The plot

According to the plot, 18-year-old Snow is chosen to mentor Lucy Gray during the 10th Hunger Games. As developed in the four films of the saga, a brutal televised event randomly selects two teenagers from every district to fight to the death.

In the novel, modest Lucy Gray attracts everyone’s attention by singing at the harvest ceremony. With your talent and your charm, Snow believes he can turn the odds in his favor to win games.

Given Lucy Gray’s vocal prowess, that’s no surprise Zegler, who beat thousands to play Maria in the new version of History of the west sidegot the lead role in this prequel.

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

Director of The hunger gamesFrancis Lawrence, will also direct this prequel, which will begin production later this year and the screenplay will be entrusted to Michael Lesslie.

“Like everyone else, I saw Rachel Zegler for the first time History of the west side And, like everyone else, I knew I was watching a star who would dominate the screen for a generation, “said the director.

“Lucy Gray is ideal for her: the character is bold, independent and inspiringbut also vulnerable, emotional and loving. Rachel will make this character unforgettable. “

Franchise producer Nina Jacobson and her production partner Brad Simpson will oversee this new production alongside Francis Lawrence. Collins, Tim Palen and Jim Miller will be executive producers.

An “incredibly complex” character.

“This is an incredibly complex character, an artist who has to use all the skills in her arsenal to survive,” said Jacobson. “Our casting team, Deb Zane and Dylan Jury, led an exhaustive search, interviewing hundreds of actors in search of our perfect Lucy Graya”.

She added, “That quest ended with Rachel, like Lucy Gray, dominating the stage with her voice and her charisma as her inner strength and humanity transform those around her.”

Zegler, in addition to this film, will soon be seen in Shazam! Fury of the gods opposite Zachary Levi, Helen Mirren and Lucy Liu; is in the Snow Whiteaction movie, produced by Disney.

CJL