The Hunger Gamesalum Rachel Zegler had the most iconic reaction to the casting of President Snow in the upcomingSunrise on the Reapingfilm. The prequel film, based on the book of the same name, focuses on Haymitch’s experience at the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell. Set 40 years afterthe events ofBallad of Songbirds and Snakesand 24 years before the first book in the original trilogy, the story features an older Coriolanus Snow, now president of Panem, prompting a much-speculated-about recast.
Reacting to the latest post from Lionsgate and the officialHunger GamesInstagramaccount, where it was announced that Ralph Fiennes would be playing President Snow in the newHunger Gamesfilm,Zegler commented: “Not my movie ex being Voldemort.“Her comment quickly took off across social media, with people immediately recognizing the sly callback to Lucy Gray, her character inBallad of Songbirds and Snakes,and her complicated relationship with a young Coriolanus Snow, as well as Fiennes' past portrayal of another iconic book villain.
What This Means For Sunrise On The Reaping
A New Version Of Snow Is Coming
Zegler’s comment is not only funny, but it also highlights how fittingthe casting of Fiennes as President Snowis. Fiennes is known for playing intelligent, imposing figures, such as his worldwide famous portrayal of Voldemort in theHarry Pottersaga, which proveshe has the experience to portray Snow in his most powerful, calculating era.Fiennes' ability to balance danger with charm makes him an ideal choice to portray how Snow continuously tightens his grip on Panem and the tributes forced to participate in the Hunger Games.
Zegler’s comment also draws attention to how much has changed in theHunger Gamestimeline. In her prequel, Lucy Gray Baird forms a deep yet complex relationship with Coriolanus Snow, which sours by the end of the film.Sunrise on the Reapingfast-forwards 40 yearsto showcase a more seasoned, authoritarian version of Snow, now Panem’s tyrannical leader.The version of Snow that Haymitch encounters in his Quarter Quell will be far colder and more dangerousthan the ambitious student audiences met inBallad of Songbirds and Snakes.
Our Take On Rachel Zegler’s Comment
While Zegler’s cheeky “movie ex” isn’t just a clever nod toBallad of Songbirds and Snakes,Lucy Gray is hardly forgotten in the story. Even thoughLucy Gray doesn’t appear inSunrise on the Reaping,her presence remains unforgettable, as she continues to haunt President Snow, catalyzing his transformation from a seemingly caring mentor to the cruel leader that he became. This shift is exactly what Fiennes excels at, making his casting an exciting addition to an already well-rounded cast forThe Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping.
