The Hunger Gamesfranchise star Rachel Zegler definitively reveals if she will be returning as Lucy Gray Baird in the new prequel movie,The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. TheupcomingSunrise on the Reapingis based on an upcoming book by original author Suzanne Collins, which tells the story of how Haymitch Abernathy survived the Games' second Quarter Quell. Zegler starred in the previous prequel,The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, as Lucy Gray, who survived the Games thanks to the help of a young Coriolanus Snow (Tom Blyth). However, her fate remains unknown by the movie’s end.
Speaking withCosmopolitan, Zegler revealed that, while she would “die at the chance to come back as Lucy Gray Baird,“she is “not included” inThe Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. This confirmsThe Ballad of Songbirds & Snakesas her only movie in the franchise so far, and potentially her only one given how unclear Lucy Gray’s fate is by the end. However, given the 40 year time difference between both prequels, it doesn’t entirely shut the door on the character’s appearance. Zegler however, will not be reprising the role.
What Rachel Zegler Not Coming Back Means For Lucy Gray In Sunrise On The Reaping
Her Fate Could Still Be Addressed In The New Prequel
Theend ofThe Ballad of Songbirds & Snakessaw Snow try to kill Lucy Gray, although he misses, with her disappearing completely following this event. While it’s unknown if she’ll be alive by the events ofSunrise on the Reaping,the 40-year time gap means that, if she does come back, Zegler wouldn’t be the one playing her. Since an older actor would be necessary to see her return, it makes sense as to why the previous star won’t be involved, as it wouldn’t make sense for the franchise’s timeline.
Brilliant Sunrise On The Reaping Title Theory Perfectly Leads Into Haymitch’s Hunger Games Story
The new Hunger Games book is set to explore Haymitch Abernathy’s time as a tribute, but one fan theory suggests it could have an interesting twist.
However, given the purposeful mystery surrounding her fate in both the movie and the book, it’s unclear if Collins' next installment will definitively answer the question of what happened to her. Sincethe book won’t be released until June 11, 2025 - and the movie on Aug 19, 2025- there’s still quite some time until it’s revealed whether she has a role to play. Even though it’s unclear what this means for her appearance, the fact otherHunger Gamescharacterslike Haymitch play integral roles means it’s still possible her story will get definitive closure.
Our Take On Rachel Zegler Not Returning In Sunrise On The Reaping
It Makes Sense Given The New Prequel’s Time Period
Although it would be interesting to see Zegler come back, revealing what happened to Lucy Gray directly after she escaped from Snow,it also makes sense not to focus on her with Haymitch as the protagonist. While it would be interesting forSunrise on the Reapingto deliver more closure to her story, the decades-long time jump means a different actor would need to portray her anyway. It’s possible the character will come back, but she likely wouldn’t be a prominent focus given the storyline of the next installment.
Sunrise on the Reapingwill be the sixth movie overall inThe Hunger Gamesseries.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping
Cast
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping explores the dystopian world of Panem 24 years prior to Katniss Everdeen’s story. This prequel focuses on the reaping of the 50th Hunger Games, known as the Second Quarter Quell, unveiling the origins of crucial events and traditions in the series.
