Rachel Zegler, known for her remarkable talent and recent controversies, has proven her box office appeal once again. The highly anticipated prequel to “The Hunger Games,” titled “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” claimed the #1 spot at the box office over the weekend. Despite not featuring Jennifer Lawrence, who starred in the previous installments, the film managed to recoup its $100 million budget, earning an impressive $44 million domestically and a total of $99 million worldwide.
Key Takeaway
The “Hunger Games” prequel, led by Rachel Zegler, has surpassed box office expectations, topping the charts and recouping its budget. Despite the absence of Jennifer Lawrence, the film has demonstrated the enduring popularity of the franchise.
While these figures may not match the success of Lawrence’s previous appearances in the franchise, considering the intense competition and the absence of the beloved star, it is a commendable achievement. Lionsgate, the studio behind the film, is thrilled with the results and hopeful for the future of the “Hunger Games” series.
Looking ahead, Lionsgate will determine whether there is sufficient interest in the “Hunger Games” series to warrant additional entries. The studio remains optimistic about the business prospects of the film, with Lionsgate Vice Chairman Adam Fogelson expressing satisfaction with the performance both domestically and internationally.
Zegler’s success as the lead in a major blockbuster is undoubtedly a positive sign for her career. This accomplishment further solidifies her ability to draw audiences to theaters, which will undoubtedly please studios like Disney.
While Zegler has recently faced criticism for her comments about the original “Snow White” story, the delay of the forthcoming “Snow White” reboot until 2025 allows time for these controversies to subside. As the saying goes, time heals all wounds, and Zegler’s current triumph in the “Hunger Games” prequel demonstrates her box office appeal.
The box office victory of “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” overshadowed its competitors, including “Trolls Band Together,” “Thanksgiving,” and the latest installment in the “Marvels” franchise, which suffered a significant drop in its second week at the box office.
