Actress set to star in ‘The Hunger Games’ prequel

Rachel Zelger is set to star in the highly anticipated prequel “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” after taking the stage in “West Side Story.” Learn more about the budding actress.

When “The Hunger Games” film franchise was released years ago, fans of the books and moviegoers new to the story were impressed with the thrilling and unique plot.

Years later, Lionsgate Movies released the prequel to “The Hunger Games” movies, “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.”

While the teaser didn’t give the film as much context, it did focus on two parties, represented by a serpent and a songbird, and how their conflict established the Hunger Games.

Although the film is adapted from Suzanne Collins’ book, fans are yet to know if the details of the film will be exactly the same. However, Katniss Everdeen likely won’t make an appearance since the story’s setting took place decades before her time.

RACHEL ZEGLER’S ROLE IN “THE HUNGER GAMES” PREQUEL

Rachel Zegler is set to star in the highly anticipated prequel as Lucy Gray Baird, the mentee of then 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow. Nathan Kahane, President of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, said:

“When you read Suzanne’s book, Lucy Gray’s emotional intelligence, physical agility, and fiercely powerful and determined singing voice shines through. Rachel embodies all of these skills. She is the perfect fit for our Lucy Gray.”

Zelger made waves in the acting scene after his flawless performance in “West Side Story” captured the hearts of audiences. Although she is focused on her career, Zegler remains grounded and family-focused.

THE PERSONALITY OF RACHEL ZEGLER

“My relationship with my family, my ‘core four’, as I call us — my mom, my dad, my older sister and I — has remained the same, really,” she said. Zegler’s mother has been supportive of her acting career and even gave up her job to be with the budding actress on the set of “West Side Story” every day.

Zegler credits her mother for the guidance she received growing up and claims that she would not have navigated life well without the elder Zegler. Now older and performing across the globe, she misses what once was.

As an actress, Zegler knows the criticisms that await her and the challenges that come with listening to them. Yet she exudes confidence in her craft and is paid to pursue her passion.

WHO IS RACHEL ZEGLER DATING NOW?

Zegler’s career also opened doors for romance as she fell in love with her “West Side Story” co-star Josh Andres Rivera.

The couple made their relationship Instagram official on Valentine’s Day. The actress posted a black and white photo with her boyfriend, subtitle “commit worthy crimes.” She also shared a video of Rivera feeding her during dinner.

Rivera played Zegler’s supposed love interest in “West Side Story.” Ansel Elgort, instead, became her on-screen lover. Naturally, Zegler and Elgort got close to the set and knew his true personality.

In one of her tweets, Zegler claimed that it was easy to fall in love with Elgort, which sparked controversy among fans who called the actress a homewrecker. As a result, Zegler took a break from social media to let the noise die down. Nonetheless, she stayed strong and didn’t let anyone bring her down.