The Hunger Games alum Rachel Zegler had the most iconic reaction to the casting of President Snow in the Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and 24 years before the first book in the original trilogy, the story features an older Coriolanus Snow, now president of Panem, prompting a much-speculated-about recast.

Reacting to the latest post from Lionsgate and the official Hunger Games Instagram , where it was announced that Ralph Fiennes would be playing President Snow in the new Hunger Games film, Zegler commented: "Not my movie ex being Voldemort." Her comment quickly took off across social media, with people immediately recognizing the sly callback to Lucy Gray, her character in Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, and her complicated relationship with a young Coriolanus Snow, as well as Fiennes' past portrayal of another iconic book villain.

What This Means For Sunrise On The Reaping

A New Version Of Snow Is Coming

Zegler's comment is not only funny, but it also highlights how fitting the casting of Fiennes as President Snow is. Fiennes is known for playing intelligent, imposing figures, such as his worldwide famous portrayal of Voldemort in the Harry Potter saga, which proves he has the experience to portray Snow in his most powerful, calculating era. Fiennes' ability to balance danger with charm makes him an ideal choice to portray how Snow continuously tightens his grip on Panem and the tributes forced to participate in the Hunger Games.

Zegler's comment also draws attention to how much has changed in the fast-forwards 40 years to showcase a more seasoned, authoritarian version of Snow, now Panem's tyrannical leader. The version of Snow that Haymitch encounters in his Quarter Quell will be far colder and more dangerous than the ambitious student audiences met in Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.

Our Take On Rachel Zegler's Comment

A Perfect Bittersweet Nod To Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes

While Zegler's cheeky "movie ex" isn't just a clever nod to Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, Lucy Gray is hardly forgotten in the story. Even though Lucy Gray doesn't appear in Sunrise on the Reaping, her presence remains unforgettable, as she continues to haunt President Snow, catalyzing his transformation from a seemingly caring mentor to the cruel leader that he became. This shift is exactly what Fiennes excels at, making his casting an exciting addition to an already well-rounded cast for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping.

Source: Instagram