NJ's Rachel Zegler stars in 'Hunger Games' prequel out this week. What you need to know

The highly awaited prequel to the globally revered "Hunger Games" series is poised to debut in theaters this week.

Titled "The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes," the film delves into the genesis of future President Coriolanus Snow as he undertakes the mentorship of District 12 tribute Lucy Gray Baird (played by Clifton's own Rachel Zegler) in the 10th-annual Hunger Games.

Here is all you need to know about the upcoming movie.

When is 'The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes' releasing?

Adapted from Suzanne Collins' 2020 bestselling book, the movie is scheduled to hit screens nationwide on Nov. 17, set 64 years prior to the first "Hunger Games" book and film.

The movie's premiere is set to be preceded by a live IMAX fan event Monday in select theaters across major cities including Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, and Seattle. The red-carpet event, featuring the cast and filmmakers, will provide exclusive insights into the film's creation, followed by an advanced screening at the TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX in Los Angeles.

Tickets for this much-anticipated cinematic event are available for purchase exclusively through the theaters' website.

The Cast and Crew of 'The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes'

Starring Rachel Zegler and Tom Blyth in the lead roles, the narrative unfurls the early stages of the indomitable President Snow, played by Blyth, as he encounters and mentors Lucy Gray Baird, embodied by the talented Zegler.

• Tom Blyth: Coriolanus Snow

• Rachel Zegler: Lucy Gray Baird

• Josh Andres Rivera: Sejanus Plinth

• Viola Davis: Dr. Volumnia Gaul

• Hunter Schafer: Tigris Snow

• Jason Schwartzman: Lucretius "Lucky" Flickerman

• Peter Dinklage: Casca Highbottom

• Ashley Liao: Clemensia Dovecote

• Fionnula Flanagan: Grandma'am

• Burn Gorman: Commander Hoff

Rachael Zegler as Lucy Gray Baird

Rachel Zegler, an emerging force in the entertainment industry, brings her prowess to the role of Baird, marking a significant leap in her burgeoning career.

Zegler, born in May 2001, gained widespread attention after winning the role of Maria Vasquez in Steven Spielberg's adaptation of "West Side Story," propelling her into the limelight. Prior to her breakthrough in "West Side Story," Zegler showcased her vocal talent through various performances, amassing a dedicated following through social media and YouTube.

Earlier, Disney released the first image of its upcoming film, "Snow White" —a live-action musical reimagining of the classic 1937 film, starring Zegler.

Zegler grew up in Clifton and went to Immaculate Conception High School.

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What do the reviews say about 'The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes'

Critics have lauded the prequel, with USA TODAY granting it 3 out of 4 stars, calling the movie "an enticing blend of dystopian action epic and musical drama that surpasses the previous films starring Jennifer Lawrence."

VARIETY highlighted the movie's seamless continuity with the original saga. They said it balances blood sport, endangered young love and a heightened level of political commentary that respects the intelligence of young audiences as only Collins can.

While the film currently holds a 67% score on Rotten Tomatoes based on 46 reviews, the audience rating is yet to be determined, building further intrigue and anticipation among fans.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Rachel Zegler of Clifton NJ stars in 'Hunger Games' film out soon