Kieran Culkin cast as Caesar Flickerman in Hunger Games, taking on the role as host in the highly anticipated prequel
“The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping,”
has sparked significant excitement in the entertainment world. The upcoming film is set to revisit the world of Panem nearly twenty-five years before the original movies, bringing together an acclaimed ensemble cast and creative team for a new chapter in the celebrated franchise.
Culkin Steps into the Role of Caesar Flickerman
Oscar and Emmy winner Kieran Culkin will portray Caesar Flickerman, the charismatic host of Panem’s Hunger Games. Originally played by Stanley Tucci in the first four films, the character is known for his boundary-pushing showmanship during the Games. Culkin now joins a cast that includes 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, and Ralph Fiennes as President Snow. MollyMcCann and Iona Bell are set to appear as Louella and her Capitol counterpart Lou Lou, respectively.
Returning to Panem’s Origins
“Sunrise on the Reaping” is adapted from Suzanne Collins’ latest novel, and it is set in Panem during the period just before the original saga. The story centers on Haymitch Abernathy—who was portrayed by Woody Harrelson in earlier films—before he became a mentor to Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark. This installment focuses on the day of the reaping for the 50th Hunger Games, better known as the Second Quarter Quell, marking Haymitch’s first entry into the dangerous arena.
Culkin’s Career on the Rise
Kieran Culkin’s participation in this project comes amid the most celebrated period of his career. Earlier this year, he took home the Academy Award for best supporting actor after starring with Jesse Eisenberg in “A Real Pain,” and added to his collection of accolades with an Emmy win for his role as Roman Roy on HBO’s “Succession.” Currently, Culkin is appearing on Broadway in “Glengarry Glen Ross,” alongside Bob Odenkirk and Bill Burr., further securing his reputation as a versatile actor in both film and theater.
Behind the Scenes and Box Office Expectations
Francis Lawrence returns to direct, continuing his stewardship of the Hunger Games adaptations since “Catching Fire” in 2012. The screenplay is penned by Billy Ray, and the production is handled by Color Force’s Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson, with Cameron MacConomy executive producing. The five prior films, which have featured performances by Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen and Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark, have earned over $3.3 billion globally, illustrating the franchise’s broad appeal and commercial strength.
Massive Success and Anticipation for the New Chapter
Suzanne Collins’ novel “Sunrise on the Reaping” achieved significant sales, setting new records across major English-speaking markets.
“Sunrise on the Reaping” sold 1.5 million copies in its first week on sale in the U.S., U.K., Ireland, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The 1.2 million copies sold in the U.S. are twice the first week sales of
“The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes”
and three times the first week sales of “Mockingjay.”
Excitement within the studio runs high for Culkin’s interpretation of the legendary host character.
“Kieran’s scene-stealing presence and undeniable charm are perfect for Caesar Flickerman, the sickeningly watchable host of Panem’s darkest spectacle. Stanley Tucci made Caesar unforgettable—and now Kieran will make the role entirely his own,”
said Lionsgate Motion Picture Group co-president Erin Westerman.
“Kieran’s magnetism, wit, and unpredictability make him a perfect fit for Caesar Flickerman,”
Jacobson said.
“A host like Caesar transforms brutality into entertainment, and an actor as layered as Kieran makes sure we don’t look away.”
—Nina Jacobson, Producer
Release Date and Future Prospects
“The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping”
is scheduled for theatrical release on November 20, 2026. With Meredith Wieck and Scott O’Brien steering the project at Lionsgate, and agencies such as WME, Brookside Artist Management, and Relevant representing Culkin, industry insiders and fans alike are eager for how this addition will shape the acclaimed world Suzanne Collins built. Studio negotiations were handled by Phil Strina, and news of Culkin’s casting first broke through The Hollywood Reporter.
Given the previous commercial and critical success of the franchise, and with Kieran Culkin cast as Caesar Flickerman in Hunger Games, expectations are high for both box office results and cultural impact. As production moves forward, Panem’s world is set for a fresh era, blending established legacy with new star power.
