With casting announcements being made forHunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, franchise star Rachel Zegler, who played District 12 victor Lucy Gray Baird, shares a heartwarming message to one of its stars. Since the book’s release in March, there have been intense discussions about who would play key characters in the prequel movie about Haymitch Abernathy’s Hunger Games. In the last few days,several key castings forSunrise on the Reapinghave been announced, includingJoseph Zada as Haymitch, Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner, and Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove.
Recently, on her Instagram Stories (viaCinemablend),Zeglershared her reaction to the latest casting news.In a simple sentence, she stated: “i know she’s gonna do the Baird name proud.” This is followed by a heart emoji and a tag on Peak’s Instagram. In addition, the formerHunger Gamesstar recently commented on Jesse Plemons' casting as Plutarch Heavensbee, calling it “GOATED CASTING.”
Why Zegler Particularly Commented On Peak’s Casting As Lenore Dove
Their Characters Are Related In The Hunger Games World, But The Details Are Murky
The newHunger Gamesbook confirms thatZegler’s Lucy Gray and Peak’s Lenore Dove are related through the Baird family. However, the exact circumstances of their bloodline are unclear, with Lenore Dove primarily being raised by her two adoptive uncles. There is a circulating theory that Lenore Dove is possibly the daughter of Maude Ivory, who was a cousin to Lucy Gray. Despite the mystery, both characters have a clear connection, especially with Lenore Dove, who follows Covey’s similar tradition. Lenore Dove would even add scraps of Lucy Gray’s dress to her clothing as a way to honor her memory.
Nevertheless, the response to the casting has been very positive, and readers are excited to see how Peak depicts the rebellious District 12 citizen.
Like her possible blood relative, Lenore Dove is a keyplayer in the upcomingHunger Gamesprequel movie. She is Haymitch’s girlfriend and has consistently rebelled against the Capitol, leading to even a few arrests. On the other hand, Lucy Gray’s fate followingBallad of Songbirds and Snakesremains a mystery in the new prequel, although she is mentioned several times throughout the book.It’s unlikely that Zegler will reprise her role, but it’s possible that old footage from the 10th Hunger Games could be featured in the prequel movie.
Our Take On Zegler’s Message
I Love This Support!
I love Zegler’s support for Peak, and that should only hype fans leading up to the movie’s release in 2026. When Peak was announced as Lenore Dove, not only did I love the casting choice, but I also noticed the resemblance between her and Zegler. That couldn’t be a pure coincidence, considering their characters are related, and I couldn’t help but believe this was done on purpose.
Nevertheless, the response to the casting has been very positive, and readers are excited to see how Peak depicts the rebellious District 12 citizen. I can’t wait to see her dynamic with Zada inHunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, and I have great faith that she will indeed make the Baird name proud.
