Hunger Games prequel shocks fans as A-list cast is revealed

Daily Record

22-05-2025

Hunger Games fans were in a frenzy when the A-list cast lineup was announced for the prequel, Sunrise on the Reaping
The Hunger Games series broke the internet yet again as it revealed the star-studded cast for the upcoming prequel, Sunrise on the Reaping.
The Hunger Games series has been attracting attention online for years, and it has only just gone viral again after author Susan Collins released the prequel - Sunrise on the Reaping - earlier this year.
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The story centres on Haymitch Abernathy - famously portrayed by Woody Harrelson in the original films - and delves into his heartbreaking backstory, long before he became the troubled, PTSD-stricken alcoholic we met on screen.
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Sunrise on the Reaping is set 24 years before Katniss Everdeen volunteers as tribute for her sister, and 40 years after The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, the prequel that explores the rise of antagonist Coriolanus Snow.
Fans on TikTok, who have dubbed their videos under the hashtag BookTok, have made over 32 million posts highlighting their excitement for the new movie, after reading the novel.
Enthusiasts of the film/book series started to share their own fan castings, and much to their delight, casting director Debra Zane seems to have listened to what fans want.
After reading the book, Elle Fanning, best known for her role in The Great, was a fan-favourite pick to play young Effie Trinket. Now officially announced, the casting has thrilled fans over the globe.
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Elle will be taking over for Elizabeth Banks who was the perfect character, portraying the older Effie Trinket in the Hunger Games series, by which time she became the escort and advisor to District 12 tributes Jennifer Lawrence's Katniss Everdeen and Josh Hutcherson's Peeta Mellark.
According to Lionsgate Motion Picture Group co-president Erin Westerman, Elle was an 'undeniable fan favourite.'
He said: From the moment Suzanne released the book, one question echoed from fans around the world: who will play Effie?Elizabeth Banks made her iconic – so who could honour that legacy while bringing us back to Effie's early, most formative days?"
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"For us, there was only one answer. Elle Fanning's career has been transcendent. She has a rare presence – warm, sparkling and layered with extraordinary depth."
"She was the undeniable fan favourite from the start, and we're honoured she answered the call. The odds, it turns out, were in our favour," he continued.
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Lionsgate film studio also confirmed that Oscar winner Kieran Culkin will also be joining the cast, as the flamboyant and eccentric host Caesar Flickerman. A role which was originally played by Stanley Tucci in the four Hunger Games films.
Speaking about Kieran being casted, Lionsgate's Erin said: "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."
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Kieran and Elle are joining other fan favourites. Ralph Fiennes, known for his role as Voldemort in the Harry Potter series, is taking on the role of cunning President Coriolanus Snow - fans are overwhelmed with the pick as Ralph will be playing yet another iconic book series villain.
Fans are extremely excited for the new movie, especially now the star-studded cast has been announced.
They have taken to X, to express their joy, with one fan writing: "We're witnessing greatness the likes of which have never been seen in Hollywood. This casting director is operating at a level that warrants a Nobel prize. I will be so seated for this film I will see it a minimum three times. Immediately film of the year."
As a second humorously stated: "Is this what Capitol citizens feel like when their tribute wins because oh my god."
"Not sure what's more impressive," another fan said, "the fans envisioning the perfect cast, or the casting director actually making it happen."