The Hunger Games Prequel Star Rachel Zegler Will Not Return in Next Film

The Hunger Games Prequel Star Rachel Zegler Will Not Return in Next Film

As a seasoned movie critic with decades of experience under my belt, I must say that the news about Rachel Zegler’s absence in “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping” is indeed a bit disheartening for fans who were eager to follow Lucy Gray Baird’s journey. However, given her busy schedule and the significant time gap between “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” and “Sunrise on the Reaping,” it seems like a logical decision, albeit one that leaves us all a little more impatient for the next installment.


Rachel Zegler has some unfortunate news for enthusiasts eagerly awaiting her reappearance in the Hunger Games franchise, specifically the forthcoming movie titled The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. In the initial prequel film, Zegler portrayed Lucy Gray Baird. At the conclusion of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, it’s unclear what happens to Lucy Gray Baird as she escapes into the woods to avoid Coriolanus Snow. Given that additional Hunger Games prequels are in the works, many fans anticipate learning more about Lucy Gray Baird’s life prior to the main series events.

Regrettably, fans should not expect to gain insights into Lucy Gray Baird’s character in the upcoming film “Sunrise on the Reaping”, especially with Zegler involved. In an interview with Cosmopolitan, when asked about a potential return as Lucy Gray Baird in the Hunger Games film, Zegler expressed interest but clarified that she is not part of the movie. She stated, “I would be thrilled to reprise the role of Lucy Gray Baird, but I am not included.

Zegler’s calendar is undeniably packed. Her upcoming project involves the animated film “Spellbound,” slated for a Netflix premiere on November 22, 2024, right before Thanksgiving. Following this, she will star in the remake of Walt Disney Animation’s first feature film, “Snow White.” Originally planned for a 2024 release, the movie was postponed due to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA Strike and is now scheduled to hit theaters on March 21, 2025. Most recently, she made her Broadway debut in “Romeo and Juliet” on October 26, 2024. Due to strong audience interest, the show has been extended by four weeks and will now close on February 16, 2025.

The Future of Lucy Gray Baird and The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games Prequel Star Rachel Zegler Will Not Return in Next FilmThe Hunger Games Prequel Star Rachel Zegler Will Not Return in Next FilmThe Hunger Games Prequel Star Rachel Zegler Will Not Return in Next FilmThe Hunger Games Prequel Star Rachel Zegler Will Not Return in Next Film

It’s not surprising that Zegler won’t feature in “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping,” given she would be too young to portray a nearly 60-year-old woman, as the story unfolds 40 years after “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.” Although she could have played the role with heavy makeup, it seems her character isn’t central in Sunrise on the Reaping, as the focus is on a younger Haymitch Abernathy. However, there’s always a chance Zegler could appear for a cameo in the film before its scheduled release in November 2026.

In the 2010s, The Hunger Games was one of Lionsgate’s most successful film series. Given this success, it was logical for the studio to consider reviving the franchise. The novels The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and Sunrise on the Reaping allow them to delve back into the universe by fleshing out the histories of characters already established. Although Lucy Gray Baird may not be present in Sunrise on the Reaping, there’s a possibility that future prequels or spin-offs within the Hunger Games series could delve deeper into her life, bridging the gap between the events of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and the first Hunger Games. Crossing fingers, Zegler might reprise her role at some point in the future.

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2024-11-02 02:05