On August 27 and August 30, 2025, the London Palladium became the backdrop for not only a stellar performance of Evita but also two heartfelt reunions that captured the hearts of fans worldwide. Rachel Zegler, the 24-year-old star of the West End revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s iconic musical, welcomed two significant figures from her career backstage: her Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes co-star Tom Blyth and her West Side Story director Steven Spielberg. These emotional moments, shared widely on social media, underscored Zegler’s deep connections with her collaborators and highlighted her meteoric rise as a multifaceted talent in theatre and film.
Zegler, who has been dazzling audiences as Eva Perón in Jamie Lloyd’s visionary production of Evita since June, used the occasion to express gratitude for the support she’s received from these industry giants. The reunions, filled with warmth and mutual admiration, offered a glimpse into the personal bonds that have shaped Zegler’s career, from her breakout role in Spielberg’s West Side Story to her dynamic performance opposite Blyth in the Hunger Games prequel. As Evita approaches the end of its run on September 6, these backstage moments have added a poignant layer to Zegler’s triumphant West End debut.
A Joyful Reunion with Tom Blyth
On August 30, Tom Blyth, Zegler’s co-star from The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, visited the London Palladium to watch her perform as Eva Perón. The pair, who portrayed Lucy Gray Baird and a young Coriolanus Snow in the 2023 dystopian film, shared a heartfelt reunion backstage that radiated camaraderie. Zegler posted photos on her Instagram Stories, capturing their warm embrace and beaming smiles. In one image, Blyth lifted Zegler off her feet, both laughing with infectious joy. “My whole heart,” Zegler wrote, expressing her affection for her friend and former co-star.
Blyth, 29, reciprocated the sentiment, praising Zegler’s performance on his own Instagram Stories. “Bona fide Broadway star @Rachelzegler,” he wrote, adding, “RACHEL ZEGLER JUST CASUALLY GIVING THE STAGE PERFORMANCE OF A LIFETIME.” Their chemistry, evident on screen in The Hunger Games, translated effortlessly into their real-life friendship, delighting fans who have been vocal about wanting to see the duo collaborate again, perhaps in a romantic comedy. Social media posts from fans echoed this sentiment, with comments like “Zeglyth casted in a romcom when” and “I need Rachel Zegler and Tom Blyth in a romcom as bad as I need air.”
The reunion was particularly meaningful given their shared history. In The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, Zegler and Blyth portrayed a complex, emotionally charged relationship set against the backdrop of a brutal dystopian world. Their on-screen dynamic, described as “electric” by critics, was built on months of collaboration during filming. Blyth himself noted in a 2023 interview that Zegler was “easy to fall in love with,” a testament to their natural rapport. Their backstage embrace at Evita was a reminder of the genuine bond they forged, with Zegler describing Blyth as “my angel who has gone to bat for me and loved me thru every moment.”
A Touching Moment with Steven Spielberg
Three days earlier, on August 27, Zegler welcomed another special guest: Steven Spielberg, the legendary director who launched her career by casting her as Maria in his 2021 remake of West Side Story. The reunion was an emotional milestone for Zegler, who was just 17 when Spielberg discovered her through an open casting call on Twitter in 2018. His belief in her talent led to her Golden Globe-winning debut, a role that catapulted her into the spotlight and opened doors to projects like The Hunger Games, Shazam! Fury of the Gods, and Disney’s Snow White.
Zegler shared a series of photos on Instagram, including one where Spielberg planted a warm kiss on her cheek, capturing their mentor-protégé bond. In her caption, she wrote, “A man who believed in me when I was 17 and is the reason I was ushered into the many opportunities I have been blessed with thus far. Seven years later and he’s still so supportive of every venture, and I couldn’t be more thankful.” She added, “Steven Spielberg, you changed my life. I may never be truly able to return the favor, but I hope a performance of ‘Rainbow High’ every now and then gives you some comfort in knowing I am taking care of the career you’ve so graciously given me.”
Spielberg’s visit was a full-circle moment for Zegler, who has often spoken about the profound impact he had on her life. When she auditioned for West Side Story, Zegler was a high school student performing in community theatre, with roles like Belle in Beauty and the Beast and Ariel in The Little Mermaid. Spielberg’s decision to cast her after seeing her YouTube covers of “Tonight” and “I Feel Pretty” was a life-changing opportunity. His continued support, including a glowing recommendation to Snow White director Marc Webb, has been instrumental in her rise. Zegler’s gratitude was palpable, with fans on social media praising her humility and Spielberg’s role as a positive mentor. One post on X read, “Spielberg always seems like the best dude with his young actresses. Positive male role-model right here.”
Evita: A Triumph for Zegler
The reunions took place against the backdrop of Zegler’s critically acclaimed performance in Evita, directed by Jamie Lloyd. The production, which reimagines the story of Eva Perón with a rock-concert energy and innovative staging, has been a sensation since its June premiere. Zegler’s rendition of “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina,” performed from the Palladium’s exterior balcony to crowds on Argyll Street, has become a viral phenomenon, with videos amassing millions of views. Her performance of “Rainbow High,” a high-energy number showcasing Eva’s glamorous transformation, has also drawn praise for its vocal power and theatrical flair.
Critics have hailed Zegler as a “shining supernova,” with her ability to navigate the demanding role earning comparisons to musical theatre legends like Elaine Paige and Patti LuPone. Despite some controversy over the balcony staging, which sees ticketed audiences watching the iconic song on a screen, the production has been celebrated for its bold vision and Zegler’s commanding presence. Her co-stars, including Diego Andres Rodriguez as Che and James Olivas as Juan Perón, have also received accolades, with Olivas praising Zegler’s work ethic and warmth during rehearsals.
A Career on the Rise
Zegler’s Evita run has been a defining moment in her career, following her Broadway debut as Juliet in Romeo + Juliet opposite Kit Connor in 2024. Her ability to juggle stage and screen projects, including Snow White and Y2K, showcases her versatility. Despite facing challenges, such as backlash over her pro-Palestine activism and the mixed reception to Snow White, Zegler has remained resilient, focusing on her craft and her relationships with collaborators like Blyth and Spielberg.
Her personal life has also been in the spotlight, with her relationship with Evita backup dancer Nathan Louis-Fernand adding a romantic note to her London stint. The couple, who went public in July, have been spotted sharing sweet moments around the city, further endearing Zegler to fans who admire her authenticity.
A Moment to Remember
The backstage reunions with Blyth and Spielberg were more than just celebrity meetups—they were a testament to Zegler’s ability to forge lasting connections in an industry known for its transience. Her gratitude for those who have supported her journey, from her Hunger Games co-star to the director who gave her her big break, resonates with fans who see her as a relatable and grounded star. As Evita concludes its run and Zegler prepares for her sold-out solo concert at the London Palladium on October 5, these moments serve as a reminder of her rapid ascent and the bright future ahead.
With Evita generating buzz about a potential Broadway transfer and fans clamoring for more Zegler-Blyth collaborations, the actress is poised to continue her reign as one of Hollywood’s most exciting talents. For now, the images of her embracing Blyth and sharing a tender moment with Spielberg will remain etched in fans’ minds, a symbol of the love and support that fuel her remarkable career.
