'Hunger Games' Prequel Adds Another Fan-Favorite Oscar Winner
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'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping' is filled with one of the most stacked casts in recent memory.
Forty-eight tributes. One victor.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping – in theaters November 20, 2026. pic.twitter.com/pGKnux44L0 — The Hunger Games (@TheHungerGames) April 1, 2025
The highly-anticipated film stars Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy and Whitney Peak as Lenroe Dove Baird. Additionally, it will feature Ralph Fiennes as President Coriolanus Snow, Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket, Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, Lili Taylor as Mags Flanagan, Maya Hawke as Wiress, and Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee Latier.
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Now, it appears that the prequel is adding yet another Academy Award-caliber talent to its ranks.
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 02: (L-R) Kieran Culkin, winner of the Best Actor in a Supporting Role award for "A Real Pain,' and Robert Downey Jr. pose in the press room during the 97th Annual...
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 02: (L-R) Kieran Culkin, winner of the Best Actor in a Supporting Role award for "A Real Pain,' and Robert Downey Jr. pose in the press room during the 97th Annual Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 02, 2025 in Hollywood, California. More
Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic/Getty Images
According to an announcement on official 'Hunger Games' social media, Academy Award and Primetime Emmy Award-winning actor Kieran Culkin will be joining the film.
Culkin will be taking on the role of Caeser Flickerman, the presenter and host of the Hunger Games who is known for interviewing the tributes before the main event.
Caesar Flickerman.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping – in theaters November 20, 2026. pic.twitter.com/hggGysk4Nd — The Hunger Games (@TheHungerGames) May 21, 2025
In the original 'Hunger Games' films starring Jennifer Lawrence, Flickerman was played by Stanley Tucci. In 'The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,' his ancestor, Lucretius "Lucky" Flickerman, was played by Jason Schwartzman.
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Culkin began his acting career as a child, making his screen debut in 'Home Alone' alongside big brother Macaulay Culkin.
After taking a hiatus from screen work, Culkin gave a career-defining performance in the HBO series 'Succession,' earning himself the Primetime Emmy Award for Best Actor in a Drama Series.
Soon afterward, Culkin would receive countless awards for his performance in the film 'A Real Pain,' including a BAFTA, Golden Globe, SAG, and Academy Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role.
Other major roles for Culkin include 'Father of the Bride,' 'She's All That,' 'The Cider House Rules,' 'Igby Goes Down,' 'Scott Pilgrim vs. The World,' 'Solar Opposites,' and 'Scott Pilgrim Takes Off.'
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'The Hunger Games: Sunrise of the Reaping' follows the story of Haymitch Abernathy, originally played by Woody Harrelson, during when he competed in the 50th Annual Hunger Games.
This Quarter Quell separated itself from other Hunger Games by having twice as many tributes, meaning 48 people competed in the games.
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