Rising star Rachel Zegler is known for her incredible talent and captivating performances. She burst onto the scene as Maria in Steven Spielberg’s 2021 adaptation of West Side Story, and she’s currently wowing audiences as Lucy Gray Baird in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. (Get your tickets right here at Fandango!) She also has several exciting projects in the works. Let’s take a look!
History and Career
Rachel Zegler was born and raised in New Jersey. She is of Colombia-American descent and has been passionate about acting and singing since a young age. Growing up, she participated in school plays and local theater productions. In 2018, at the age of 17, she responded to an open casting call for Steven Spielberg’s remake of West Side Story. She ultimately beat out thousands of actresses to land the coveted role.
Nominations and Awards
Rachel Zegler’s meteoric rise isn’t just about the roles she’s played; it’s also reflected in the accolades she’s received. Her performance in West Side Story earned her nominations for over a dozen key awards, earning her the Golden Globe for Best Actress – Comedy or Musical and emphatically announcing her as a force to be reckoned with.
West Side Story (2021)
Zegler made her debut in the legendary Steven Spielberg’s remake of West Side Story, the story of star-crossed lovers from rival gangs in 1950s New York City. Her portrayal of Maria was a revelation, showcasing her powerful vocals and emotional depth. With no prior movie credits, she took on a role steeped in history and made it uniquely her own, resonating with a modern audience while paying homage to the classic.
This role wasn’t just a debut, it was a statement: Rachel Zegler had arrived.
Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023)
Rachel Zegler’s journey next took her from the romantic streets of West Side Story to the action-packed universe of Shazam! Fury of the Gods. She plays Anthea, the youngest daughter of Atlas, joining forces with a star-studded cast that includes Helen Mirren and Lucy Liu as Anthea’s sisters.
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (2023)
Rachel Zegler steps into the dystopian world of Panem. In this prequel to the hit The Hunger Games series, she plays Lucy Gray Baird, a young singer who becomes a District 12 tribute in the 10th Hunger Games. Directed by Frances Lawrence, this film delves into the backstory of Coriolanus Snow, long before he became the tyrannical president of Panem. Lucy Gray becomes a pivotal figure in Snow’s life, shaping his future in ways that fans of the franchise will find both intriguing and revealing.
The role is a showcase of Zegler’s dramatic and musical abilities, as Lucy Gray’s songs provide commentary and insight through the film. Her performance adds new dimensions to the series and provides a fresh perspective on the events that shaped the dystopian world of Panem.
Spellbound (2024)
Spellbound marks Zegler’s first foray into the animated world, as she lends her voice to heroine Princess Eillian. This Skydance Animation film follows Ellian’s quest to break a spell that has divided the kingdom of Lumbria. Joining Zegler in this enchanting tale are Nicole Kidman, Javier Bardem, John Lithgow, Jenifer Lewis and Nathan Lane. Spellbound promises to be a magical adventure, blending captivating storytelling with stunning animation.
Snow White (2025)
In Disney's forthcoming new live-action adaptation of the beloved fairy tale Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, Rachel Zegler will enchant audiences as Snow White herself. It's set to release on March 21, 2025. Marc Webb is directing, and Gal Gadot co-stars as the Evil Queen. Rachel Zegler promises to deliver a fresh take on a beloved character, reimagining the first Disney animated film for a new generation.
Y2K (TBD)
Kyle Mooney’s upcoming disaster comedy film poses the question: What if the Y2K bug had actually wreaked havoc as feared? Y2K follows high school friends who crash a party in the late hours of December 31, 1999, only for the night to spiral out of control when the clock strikes midnight. The ensemble comedy will also feature Jaeden Martell, Julian Dennison and Alicia Silverstone. It’s a different kind of film from anything Rachel Zegler has done so far, and we expect she’ll pivot with ease.
The Final Word
Rachel Zegler’s sparkling performances across a diverse filmography underscore her versatility as an actress. Her ability to adapt to various genres marks her as one for the most promising talents in the industry. We can’t wait to see where she goes next.
