Dolly Parton's Influence on Rachel Zegler's Character in 'Hunger Games: Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes'
Lucy Gray Baird, inspired by Dolly Parton, transitions from the music industry to compete in Panem's most intense Hunger Games yet in 'The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes' Experience a unique twist on the classic series as Lucy Gray takes center stage
Article Summary
In The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, Lucy Gray Baird is portrayed as a performer who, like Dolly Parton, aims to make every member of the audience feel a personal connection to her music.
Rachel Zegler's portrayal of Lucy adds a touch of relatability to her character, contrasting with the prevailing preference for aloofness in society.
Dolly Parton's remarkable journey in the realm of country music and her versatile talent in various artistic fields prove to be an apt muse for the creators of the upcoming Hunger Games prequel.
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes will introduce Lucy Gray Baird (Rachel Zegler), a new tribute from District 12 who will face her biggest challenge yet in the tenth edition of the Hunger Games. Transitioning from performing with a traveling band, she now enters a brutal competition where young individuals are forced to kill each other for sport. In a recent interview with Our website's Perri Nemiroff, franchise producer Nina Jacobson revealed that country music icon and beloved superstar Dolly Parton served as an inspiration for the character. Parton's ability to entertain without being didactic and her desire for everyone to feel connected to her music influenced the creation of Rachel's character, allowing her to make each person in the audience feel like the song is directed specifically towards them. This creates a powerful dynamic for someone like Snow, who realizes that the song truly is meant for him.
Jacobson also discussed how Zegler brought a fresh perspective to the role, giving Lucy a relatable quality in a world that often shuns those outside of Panem's elite. "Finding someone like Rachel, who could authentically portray that rawness without resorting to a theatrical approach, but truly believe that this music is her own creation, that it embodies her experiences."
Dolly Parton is globally recognized for her successful country music career, having earned eleven Grammy Awards in recognition of her remarkable talent. Though she hasn't attained the esteemed EGOT status, Parton has been nominated in every category required for the coveted achievement. Additionally, her forays into acting, including notable appearances in projects like Steel Magnolias and Gnomeo and Juliet, have solidified her reputation as an artist capable of excelling in various mediums. Given Parton's accomplishments, it's evident why The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes team would find her to be an inspiring figure.
'The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes' Features a Different Kind of Hunger Games
Image via Lionsgate
In the prequel to The Hunger Games, set decades before Katniss Everdeen's revolution, Tom Blyth takes on the role of a young President Snow, whose transformation is influenced by his friendship with Lucy. Peter Dinklage portrays the originator of the Hunger Games concept, while Viola Davis becomes the Head Gamemaker. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes offers audiences a new perspective on the world of Panem. The film will debut in U.S. theaters on November 17th.
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Watch Nemiroff's full conversation with Jacobson below.
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
64 years prior to Katniss Everdeen volunteering as a tribute, and many years before Coriolanus Snow became the oppressive President of Panem, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes delves into the story of a young Coriolanus (Tom Blyth). He is the last hope for his declining lineage, the once-proud Snow family that has fallen from grace in a post-war Capitol. With his livelihood in jeopardy, Snow reluctantly takes on the role of mentor to Lucy Gray Baird (Rachel Zegler), a tribute from the impoverished District 12. However, when Lucy Gray's charisma captivates the people of Panem, Snow sees an opportunity to alter their destinies. Facing the threat of losing everything he has worked for, Snow forms an alliance with Lucy Gray, in a bid to tip the odds in their favor. Struggling with his inner moral compass, Snow embarks on a race against time to survive and determine whether he will emerge as a symbol of hope or continue down a dark path.
Release Date: November 17, 2023
Director: Francis Lawrence
Cast: Rachel Zegler, Hunter Schafer, Viola Davis, Tom Blyth, Peter Dinklage, Jason Schwartzman, Burn Gorman, Fionnula Flanagan
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 165 minutes
Main Genre: Sci-Fi
Genres: Sci-Fi, Drama, Thriller
Writers: Michael Lesslie, Michael Arndt, Suzanne Collins
Production Company: Color Force, Good Universe, Lionsgate
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan, I am thrilled to see the influence of Dolly Parton on Rachel Zegler's character in the upcoming film, "The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes." Dolly Parton is an iconic figure in country music, known for her powerful voice, relatable lyrics, and genuine connection with her audience. These qualities are perfectly suited for Lucy Gray Baird, a character who uses her music to inspire and unite people in the midst of a brutal and oppressive society.
Rachel Zegler's portrayal of Lucy Gray brings a fresh and authentic perspective to the role. In a world where aloofness is often seen as a virtue, Lucy Gray's raw emotion and vulnerability are a breath of fresh air. Zegler's performance captures the essence of Dolly Parton's music, making each audience member feel like the song is directed specifically to them. This creates a powerful dynamic with President Snow, who realizes that the song is truly meant for him.
