Rachel Zegler is a rising star from the acclaimed Spielberg project West Side Story and the Disney remake of Snow White soon to be released. She is also confirmed to be in the new Hunger Games prequel The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, landing the starring role as Lucy Gray Baird. A few weeks ago it was announced that Tom Blyth will be playing future tyrant Coriolanus Snow. The synopsis of the film reads as follows:

“18-year-old Coriolanus Snow is the last hope for his fading lineage, a once-proud family that has fallen from grace in a post-war Capitol. With the 10th annual Hunger Games fast approaching, the young Snow is alarmed when he is assigned to mentor Lucy Gray Baird, the girl tribute from impoverished District 12.

But, after Lucy Gray commands all of Panem’s attention by defiantly singing during the reaping ceremony, Snow thinks he might be able to turn the odds in their favor. Uniting their instincts for showmanship and newfound political savvy, Snow and Lucy’s race against time to survive will ultimately reveal who is a songbird, and who is a snake.”

Series director Francis Lawrence is back to helm the new feature. Screenwriters Michael Arndt and Michael Leslie had this to say about the new actress:

“Like everybody, I first saw Rachel Zegler in West Side Story, and like everybody, I knew I was watching a star who would command the screen for a generation,” says Lawrence. “Lucy Gray is a perfect match for her as an actress: the character is bold, independent, and defiant, but also vulnerable, emotional, and loving. Rachel will make this character unforgettable.”

Zegler also sent out a cryptic tweet as a nod to her casting.