With the highly anticipated release of The Hunger Games prequel The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, fans were expecting a box office success. However, the film has grossed a disappointing $44 million domestically, leaving many questioning the future of the franchise.
According to Box Office Pro, this opening weekend was significantly lower compared to the previous four Hunger Games installments, with a 71% decrease from the first film released in 2012. At this rate, projections suggest that the film will only reach a total gross of $115 million, significantly lower than the previous films’ opening weekends.
While it is expected for prequels to not do as well as the original franchise, the media has already begun speculating whether this could be the end of The Hunger Games. With Thanksgiving approaching, there is still hope for the film’s success, but it seems unlikely to surpass the opening weekend numbers of its predecessors.
One of the reasons for this underwhelming performance could be the casting of lead actress Rachel Zegler. As it turns out, Zegler was cast in the film before becoming embroiled in a controversy surrounding leaked videos of her displaying smug and entitled behavior. Many argue that her behavior, coupled with a general lack of humility, has turned off audiences and affected the film’s box office numbers.
The original Hunger Games franchise owes much of its success to Jennifer Lawrence, who was seen as a relatable and likable actress. However, in recent years, Lawrence’s own behavior has caused a decline in her popularity and success at the box office. Some speculate that Zegler may be heading down the same path if she does not change her ways.
In addition to her role in The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, Zegler is set to star in Steven Spielberg’s highly-anticipated remake of West Side Story. However, the film has already received negative attention due to the controversy surrounding its lead actress. Whether this will have a significant impact on the film’s performance at the box office remains to be seen.
Zegler’s future in Hollywood may also face further obstacles as her next big project, a live-action remake of Snow White with a budget of $300 million, has already been delayed until 2025. Many believe that if this film fails, it will be attributed to Zegler’s actions and outspoken behavior, which has already caused backlash among audiences.
In the end, the future of The Hunger Games franchise is uncertain, but many believe that Zegler’s involvement may have played a significant role in its underwhelming performance. Only time will tell if she can redeem herself and save the franchise from fading into obscurity.
