Lionsgate has unveiled Rachel Zegler’s rendition of “The Hanging Tree,” the iconic song originally sung by Jennifer Lawrence’s Katniss Everdeen in Mockingjay, Part 1. The song is now available on various music platforms and social media.
Zegler portrays Lucy Gray Baird in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. She is a traveling musician who represents District 12 in The Hunger Games and originates the song that eventually becomes a symbol of rebellion. Zegler’s version of the song is more polished than Katniss’ rendition, as she has musical training. Additionally, the emotions behind her performance differ.
It is worth noting that Lucy Gray Baird is set to participate in the 10th Hunger Games, while Katniss Everdeen will compete in the 74th and 75th Hunger Games.
Based on the original Hunger Games book and movie, “The Hanging Tree” is a folk song from District 12 sung from the perspective of a hanged man. In the story, Katniss sings this song for the mockingjays, recalling her father’s rendition of it.
The film follows Baird and her mentor, a young Coriolanus Snow who later becomes the dictator of Panem. Throughout the storyline, Snow mentors Baird and potentially develops feelings for her while making a significant decision. Without revealing any spoilers, the four previous movies provide significant clues in this regard.
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes stars Rachel Zegler, Tom Blyth, Viola Davis, Peter Dinklage, Hunter Schafer, Jason Schwartzman, and others. Its release is scheduled for November 17th.
This article was written during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the striking actors, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes would not exist.
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