Kieran Culkin Joins ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ as Caesar Flickerman

by

Award-winning actor Kieran Culkin has taken on the role of the generous host, Caesar Flickerman, in “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping“. Previously, this part was portrayed by Stanley Tucci in the initial series of four movies.

Joining the already announced cast members are Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy, Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird, Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner, Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, Maya Hawke as Wiress, Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee, Lili Taylor as Mags, Ben Wang as Wyatt, Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket, Ralph Fiennes as President Snow. MollyMcCann will take on the role of Louella, while Iona Bell will portray her Capitol-assigned lookalike Lou Lou.

The upcoming movie, which shares its title with Suzanne Collins’ novel, takes us back to the world of Panem around 25 years prior to the events depicted in previous films. In this prequel storyline, Woody Harrelson plays Haymitch Abernathy, who served as a mentor to characters such as Jennifer Lawrence’s Katniss Everdeen and Josh Hutcherson’s Peeta Mellark.

In “Sunrise at the Reaping,” we follow the story of Haymitch, who plays a pivotal role when the events unfold on the morning of the selection process for the 50th Hunger Games, popularly known as the Second Quarter Quell. This is an extraordinary edition of the Games where Haymitch takes part in the perilous arena.

Erin Westerman, co-president of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, stated that Kieran’s captivating stage presence and undeniable allure make him ideal for the role of Caesar Flickerman, the mesmerizing host of Panem’s most chilling spectacle. Stanley Tucci previously brought Caesar to life in an unforgettable way, and now Kieran is set to put his unique stamp on the character.

Kevin Culkin is now part of the franchise, riding a career-best wave of success. This year alone, he won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar (and almost every other precursor award) for his role alongside Jesse Eisenberg in “A Real Pain.” He’s already halfway to achieving EGOT status, following his win for Lead Actor in a Drama Series at the Emmys for “Succession,” where he portrayed Roman Roy. Currently, Culkin is gracing Broadway with his presence as the lead in the sold-out run of “Glengarry Glen Ross,” alongside Bob Odenkirk and Bill Burr.

On November 20, 2026, the movie version of “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping” is set to be released. Since 2012’s “Catching Fire,” Francis Lawrence has been in charge of every film in the series and will continue to direct this one, based on a screenplay adaptation by Billy Ray. Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson from Color Force will produce, with Cameron MacConomy serving as executive producer. To date, the five films in the franchise have earned over $3.3 billion at the box office.

In its debut week, “Sunrise on the Reaping” managed to sell an impressive 1.5 million copies across the U.S., U.K., Ireland, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. This figure is double the initial week sales of “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” in the U.S., and three times higher than what “Mockingjay” achieved during its first week.

Jacobson commented that Kieran’s charm, humor, and spontaneity perfectly suit Caesar Flickerman. A host such as Caesar turns cruelty into amusement, and an actor like Kieran ensures we stay engaged.

Meredith Wieck and Scott O’Brien are managing the project at Lionsgate, while Phil Strina handled the negotiations on behalf of the studio. John Culkin is represented by three agencies: WME, Brookside Artist Management, and Relevant. Initially, The Hollywood Reporter announced his casting in this role.

Read More

2025-05-22 03:46