Rachel Zegler Sparks Online Frenzy with Captivating Hunger Games Trailer, Defying Snow White Backlash

Summary

Rachel Zegler's performance in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes trailer is receiving praise and lighting up the internet.

The positive reactions towards her performance in the trailer, particularly her rendition of "The Hanging Tree," have been noteworthy.

Once audiences witness her portrayal in The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, the initial backlash surrounding her selection as Snow White in the live-action remake is likely to diminish.

Rachel Zegler's portrayal of Lucy Gray in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes trailer has received widespread praise, potentially countering the recent backlash towards Snow White. Based on Suzanne Collins' 2020 novel, this prequel delves into the backstory of a young Coriolanus Snow and his transformation into the tyrannical President of Panem, emphasizing his relationship with District 12 tribute Lucy Gray Baird. Alongside Tom Blyth as Snow, the talented and up-and-coming Rachel Zegler shines as Lucy Gray. Since the release of the new Hunger Games: Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes trailer, Zegler's performance has ignited excitement online. Her rendition of the rebellious anthem, "The Hanging Tree," has garnered particular attention and anticipation. Take a look at some of the reactions below:

@kimichkis expresses in awe, "The indescribable unearthly sound that escaped my lips upon hearing Rachel Zegler's rendition of 'The Hanging Tree' and witnessing the haunting image of the actual tree was truly overwhelming."

@delcttie praises Zegler as a "masterpiece" and a remarkably gifted individual."

@giselleb1234 says they are "so excited to hear" Zegler singing "The Hanging Tree" in theaters.

@rachsdaya claims Zegler has "the voice of an angel and a god."

@niggaolas says that Zegler might not get an Oscar for her performance, though she will get a Golden Globe.

@paulswhtn can't wait and says, "I need to hear rachel zegler’s hanging tree right now."

@photonsmight says, "Rachel Zegler don’t make that SERVE."

​​​​@SnowWhiteNews writes, "Rachel Zegler as Lucy Gray Baird you will always be famous."

Can Rachel Zegler's Hunger Games Performance Reverse The Snow White Backlash?

Zegler made a dazzling entrance onto the entertainment scene with her outstanding portrayal of María in Steven Spielberg's musical adaptation of West Side Story. Her talent quickly caught the attention of industry insiders, leading to her being cast in prominent roles such as Anthea in Shazam! Fury of the Gods and the lead princess in the live-action version of Snow White. However, her selection for the role of Snow White in the Disney film sparked controversy due to her being a Latina actress of Colombian heritage portraying a character traditionally associated with fair skin.

Fortunately, there is an opportunity for the backlash to be mitigated before the release of Snow White on March 22, 2024, as Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, a prequel to the Hunger Games series, will hit theaters first on November 17. The criticism stems from racial motivations, but it is expected to diminish once audiences witness Zegler's exceptional performance, which she has consistently delivered in the past. Although some may be surprised by her singing abilities showcased in the Hunger Games trailer, Zegler previously astounded audiences with her vocal talents in West Side Story.

Zegler's portrayal in the Hunger Games prequel may fall short of capturing an Oscar, according to one individual, despite her previous success in winning a Golden Globe for West Side Story. The extent to which The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes can effectively diminish the criticism it faced remains unknown, yet the favorable reception of the new trailer serves as a hopeful beginning.