Kieran Culkin has been cast as Caesar Flickerman in the highly anticipated Hunger Games prequel film, ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’. The announcement arrives as Culkin’s career enjoys a remarkable upswing, following his acclaimed roles in ‘Succession’ and ‘A Real Pain’. The new movie, based on Suzanne Collins’ recent novel, is set to premiere on November 20, 2026, and will see Culkin stepping into a role previously made famous by Stanley Tucci.
Culkin to Take On an Iconic Role in Panem’s History
‘Sunrise on the Reaping’ unfolds 24 years before Katniss Everdeen’s story, centering on a young Haymitch Abernathy, now portrayed by Joseph Zada, during the infamous 50th Hunger Games also known as the Second Quarter Quell. The film’s narrative explores the beginnings of the Games as a spectacle, with Caesar Flickerman serving as the charismatic television host who shapes public perception of Panem’s dark event. Kieran Culkin’s casting as Caesar, replacing Stanley Tucci, introduces a new dynamic to one of the franchise’s most memorable personalities.
Speaking to Variety, producer Nina Jacobson highlighted what Culkin brings to the character:
“Kieran’s magnetism, wit, and unpredictability make him a perfect fit for Caesar Flickerman.”
—Nina Jacobson, Producer. Jacobson elaborated on the significance of the role:
“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.
Erin Westerman, co-president of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, also commented on the casting choice:
“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.”
—Erin Westerman, Co-President, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group.
Major Cast and Creative Team Assembled for “Sunrise on the Reaping”
The ensemble includes 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. Molly McCann will appear as Louella, with Iona Bell portraying Lou Lou, her Capitol-assigned lookalike.
Director Francis Lawrence continues his stewardship of the Hunger Games universe, having directed previous franchise entries since 2012’s ‘Catching Fire’. The screenplay is crafted by Billy Ray, with Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson producing under Color Force, and Cameron MacConomy as executive producer.
Kieran Culkin’s Career During a Stellar Year
The timing of Culkin’s casting coincides with several high-profile achievements. Earlier in the year, he was awarded the best supporting actor Oscar for his performance in ‘A Real Pain’ alongside Jesse Eisenberg. He also received an Emmy for his widely praised portrayal of Roman Roy in HBO’s ‘Succession’, and is currently performing in a sold-out Broadway production of ‘Glengarry Glen Ross’ with Bob Odenkirk and Bill Burr.
The Ongoing Legacy of The Hunger Games Franchise
‘The Hunger Games’ films have amassed over $3.3 billion in worldwide box office revenue, establishing a formidable legacy for the new prequel to uphold. With a compelling source novel by Suzanne Collins, a cast anchored by established talents such as Kieran Culkin and Ralph Fiennes, and a returning directorial voice in Francis Lawrence, ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’ is poised to resurrect interest in the franchise while introducing fresh perspectives on Panem’s disturbing traditions.
As anticipation builds for the November 2026 release, both longstanding fans and newcomers can look forward to seeing how Culkin’s approach to Caesar Flickerman, as well as the expanded cast, will shape the next chapter in Panem’s history and the trajectory of the Hunger Games saga.
