Ben Wang joins 'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping'
Ben Wang has officially joined the cast of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, playing District 12 tribute Wyatt Callow in the highly anticipated prequel to Suzanne Collins' bestselling dystopian series.
The Lionsgate film is slated for release on November 20, 2026.
Wang joins a star-studded ensemble that includes Joseph Zada as a young 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, and Lili Taylor as Mags.
Best known for his breakout role as Jin Wang in Disney+'s American Born Chinese, Ben Wang has quickly become one of Hollywood's most promising young actors. He is set to headline Sony's upcoming Karate Kid: Legends, releasing on May 30, after being selected from over 10,000 submissions.
This summer, Wang will also appear in The Long Walk, another Lionsgate feature directed by Hunger Games veteran Francis Lawrence. Wang has also completed lead roles in the indie films Brian and the untitled Celebrity Pass Movie, further showcasing his versatility as a rising star.
Sunrise on the Reaping revisits Panem 24 years before Katniss Everdeen's time, centering on the reaping of the 50th Hunger Games—known as the Second Quarter Quell. The book has already broken records, selling 1.5 million copies across multiple countries in its first week.
The film will be directed by Francis Lawrence with a screenplay by Billy Ray. Producers include Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson of Color Force, with Cameron MacConomy serving as executive producer.
Ben Wang is repped by Artists First, Stewart Talent, and Schreck Rose Dapello Adams Berlin & Dunham.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
8 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Kai Cenat reveals plans to start 24/7 'Total Drama Island' with streamers
Twitch sensation Kai Cenat has teased an exciting new project: a "Total Drama Island"-inspired event featuring popular streamers, set to be broadcast 24/7. On June 3, 2025, during a comeback livestream, Cenat confirmed the project while updating his fans on his upcoming plans. Cenat revealed that his goal is to create an event reminiscent of the beloved Canadian animated series, Total Drama Island, where streamers will compete and interact in various challenges. However, he clarified that the event would not be launching anytime soon. 'Do not think this is around the corner,' Cenat warned. 'Streamer University is my baby, bro.' Kai Cenat announces he's creating a 'Total Drama Island' edition for streamers that would be streamed 24/7 👀 — FearBuck (@FearedBuck) June 4, 2025 He went on to explain that the idea had been something he had wanted to execute for a long time. 'Total Drama Island, n***a, is one of my favourite TV shows,' Cenat stated, expressing his excitement for the upcoming event. Cenat also shared an update on his ambitious Hunger Games event, which he had first announced in 2024. He has previously mentioned collaborating with YouTube's MrBeast for this event. While fans are eager for updates, Cenat's message was clear: exciting events are in the works, but timing remains uncertain.
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Express Tribune
Ryan Coogler addresses future of Sinners after massive box office success
Director Ryan Coogler has confirmed that he will not create a sequel to Sinners, his critically acclaimed vampire thriller that has been a box office success in 2025. Despite its popularity and financial performance, Coogler emphasized that he always intended Sinners to be a standalone film. The supernatural drama starred Michael B. Jordan in a dual role as vampire twins and was praised for its original storytelling and genre-bending direction. It became the only original title to break into the top 10 highest-grossing films of the year, solidifying its impact without needing franchise backing. In a recent interview with Ebony, Coogler explained his decision: 'I've been in a space of making franchise films for a bit, so I wanted to get away from that… I was looking forward to delivering something original and personal.' He added that he wanted Sinners to feel like 'a full meal'—complete and self-contained, with no cliffhangers or need for continuation. Coogler's directorial journey began with Fruitvale Station in 2013, followed by major successes like Creed, Black Panther, and Wakanda Forever. While those films expanded into franchises, Sinners represents a return to his indie roots and creative freedom. Looking ahead, Coogler is working on Wrong Answer, another collaboration with Jordan, and the Disney+ spinoff series Eyes of Wakanda. He's also expected to return for Black Panther 3, according to The Hollywood Reporter. For now, Sinners continues to draw audiences in theaters—with no sequel planned, just as Coogler envisioned.
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Express Tribune
Lilo & Stitch' tops North America box office again
Film raked in more than six times its budget. PHOTO: File Disney's family-friendly Lilo & Stitch, a live-action remake of the 2002 animated film, won the North American box office for a second week in a row, taking in another $63 million, industry estimates showed Sunday. So far, its worldwide take is at a whopping $610 million, Exhibitor Relations said. Maia Kealoha (as Lilo), Hannah Waddingham, Courtney B Vance and Zach Galifianakis star, while Chris Sanders again provides the voice of the chaos-creating blue alien Stitch. Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning – the latest, and ostensibly last, in the hugely successful Tom Cruise spy thriller series based on a 1960s TV show – took second place with $27.3 million in the United States and Canada. The Paramount film has made another $231 million overseas, which should help offset its massive production budget, reportedly at $400 million. Debuting in a disappointing third place was Sony's Karate Kid: Legends, a sequel featuring Ralph Macchio – – the star of the original 1984 classic – – and action flick icon Jackie Chan, along with Ben Wang in the title role. It made $21 million at the domestic box office and another $26 million overseas. "Legends is trying to invigorate the story with a new Kid – – again – – but business is not strong," said David A Gross of Franchise Entertainment Research. In fourth place was Warner Bros and New Line's horror film Final Destination: Bloodlines, at $10.8 million. And another horror film, Bring Her Back, debuted in fifth place with $7.1 million. "This is a very good opening for an original horror movie that cost only $4.5 million to make," said Gross. Rounding out the top 10 were: Sinners ($5.2 million), Thunderbolts ($4.8 million), Friendship ($2.6 million), The Last Rodeo ($2.1 million) and J-Hope Hope on the Stage – live tour broadcast ($940,000). afp
