Latest news with #50thHungerGames
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Elle Fanning Finally Reacted To 'Sunrise On The Reaping' Fans Calling For Her To Play Effie
The cast might be the best movie cast of 2026 — and it definitely proves that the Hunger Games team knows exactly what to look for when casting a role. Joseph Zada as Haymitch? Jesse Plemons as Plutarch? Ralph Fiennes as President Snow? I didn't think it could get much better than then it was announced that Elle Fanning is joining too. And OG Effie, Elizabeth Banks, just weighed in! Here's what Elle Fanning said about playing Effie Trinket in Sunrise on the Reaping. Who's playing Effie Trinket in Sunrise on the Reaping? Elle Fanning will step into the role of a young Effie Trinket (played by Elizabeth Banks in the original Hunger Games series), who serves as the District 12 stylist in the 50th Hunger Games. And Elle's convinced the fans had something to do with the role. 'I think fans made this happen in a way. [Lionsgate] said they were getting kind of hounded online, like, 'Elle needs to play Effie,'" Elle told MTV. "Effie has always been my favorite character. I think Elizabeth Banks, she to that character. I love her." "I'm super excited. I texted the producers as well, and I think she's perfect," Elizabeth Banks told at her The Better Sister premiere May 21. "I think everyone's really happy. And I'm really happy about that. I'm excited for the next generation to have their Effie." And the internet has gone crazy. "The most locked in casting director of recent memory," one X user , while another , "she's so perfect for the role." "if this is true then their casting is on point!" a third person . (It is true, and it is on point). But could we see Elizabeth Banks return, too? The actress told that she'd be open to returning — maybe in a Sunrise on the Reaping epilogue? "Yeah, of course, I love her," she says. "I would, if the fans want to." "I love Effie, it's one of my favorite characters," she continues. "She was not really in Mockingjay, so a lot of that came from the empathy that I got to bring to that character and the community I built with all of the collaborators on that film, including Suzanne Collins, and I think that Effie and Haymitch together became such a phenomenon that it's no surprise to me that Haymitch is getting a story now too." Who else do you want to see in the cast? Check out our with producer Nina Jacobson for more! This post has been updated. Solve the daily Crossword
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Did fan pressure get Elle Fanning cast as Effie Trinket?
Elle Fanning has revealed that her casting as young Effie Trinket in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping was heavily influenced by fan campaigns. Speaking during San Diego Comic-Con, the actress said the studio admitted they were 'getting kind of hounded online' by fans insisting she was perfect for the role. According to Fanning, the viral push worked. 'They were like, 'Okay.' So, they called,' she said. The prequel, directed by Catching Fire veteran Francis Lawrence, explores the origins of Haymitch Abernathy during the 50th Hunger Games. Joseph Zada leads as a younger Haymitch, with Fanning joining a star-studded cast that includes Mckenna Grace, Jesse Plemons, Kieran Culkin, Maya Hawke, Ralph Fiennes and Glenn Close. Fanning will portray a youthful Effie Trinket, decades before the Capitol polish and powder known from Elizabeth Banks' portrayal in the original films. Though she hasn't started filming, Fanning has already spoken with Banks, who gave her blessing via text and sent flowers with the signature phrase, 'May the odds be in your favour.' Fanning called the moment 'very special' and admitted Effie was always her favourite character, admiring how Banks brought unexpected depth to what began as a flamboyant comic relief figure. Fan enthusiasm clearly played a role in shaping the film's direction. While it's rare for a studio to directly respond to casting demands, this seems to be a case where online momentum truly shifted the conversation. And the goodwill is mutual, Fanning's comments suggest she's keen to honour the legacy while bringing something new to the role. Whether she matches Banks' iconic take or redefines Effie for a new generation, the fans who rallied behind her will be watching closely.
Buzz Feed
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Elle Fanning Said Fan Commentary Influenced Her Hunger Games Casting
When it was revealed this year that Elle Fanning would be playing Effie Trinket in the film adaptation of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, the announcement was both incredibly exciting and not all that surprising. Sunrise on the Reaping is the second prequel book in Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games novel series, and is set 24 years before the events of the first book in the original trilogy. The book — which hit shelves in March 2025 — and its accompanying movie adaptation were announced back in June 2024, and fans had already locked in their ideal castings for the prequel's younger versions of beloved characters like Haymitch Abernathy, Plutarch Heavensbee, Caesar Flickerman, and, of course, Effie Trinket. For context, Effie features heavily in the original Hunger Games trilogy as the escort and advisor to the District 12 tributes. And in Sunrise on the Reaping, a younger Effie is a stylist for Haymitch, who is preparing to participate in the 50th Hunger Games as the District 12 tribute. If you're familiar with the Hunger Games, you'll know that Effie — who was portrayed in the OG movies by Elizabeth Banks — is quite the fashionista. So, when it came to casting a younger Effie for Sunrise on the Reaping, minds went straight to Elle, who fans think has always been 'giving Effie Trinket energy.' 'y'all have any idea that this fandom has been making young effie edits with elle fanning for YEARS??? and until months ago this was an impossible dream???' one X post in response to the announcement read.'Casting director deserves an Oscar alone for what he's done here,' added another fan, while someone else wrote: 'OH MY GOD ITS HAPPENING THE PROPHECY WE MADE IT GUYSSZBDJCJFNDJDJFN.''Elle fanning as Effie Trinket was the most accurate and universally accepted casting that has ever happened in recent years,' echoed someone else. And now, Elle has weighed in on the discourse surrounding her casting, revealing that the online campaigning from fans definitely influenced her landing the job. During a new interview with Josh Horowitz for MTV, Elle was asked about her 'perfect casting' in the upcoming project, to which she said: 'It was funny, because I think fans made this happen in a way. The studio said they were getting kind of hounded online, like, 'Elle needs to play Effie'...So they called.' And it's not just the fans who are pleased with Elle's casting; Elizabeth Banks is very much on board too. When Elle was announced as Effie, Elizabeth contacted her directly with celebratory flowers and told People: 'I'm super excited. I texted the producers as well, and I think she's perfect.' Speaking with MTV, Elle expressed how thrilled she is to be following in Elizabeth's footsteps. 'I'm a huge fan, and Effie has always been my favorite character,' she said. 'I think Elizabeth Banks is— she brought so much, even beyond the books, like, layers to that character. I love her, and I have [gotten] to talk to Elizabeth. We've texted, and she sent me flowers and said, 'May the odds be ever in your favor.'' The movie is due to begin shooting this summer and is currently set to hit theaters on November 20, 2026. Giving some behind-the-scenes insight, Elle said: 'I haven't started filming yet, but we're thinking [about it] and hopefully making the fans happy.' As you may have seen, Elle's participation in Sunrise on the Reaping isn't the only fan-casting for the movie that became a reality. You can read a breakdown of who's playing who in the upcoming movie adaptation here.
Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
‘Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping' prequel casts Iris Apatow and Edvin Ryding in key roles
Lionsgate has announced major casting updates for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, with Iris Apatow and Edvin Ryding joining the anticipated prequel as new faces in the Capitol. The film, set for release in November 2026, centres on a young Haymitch Abernathy, years before he becomes Katniss Everdeen's drunken mentor and takes audiences back to the 50th Hunger Games. Apatow, known for her roles in The Bubble and Love, will portray Proserpina Trinket, a Capitol stylist who appears to share more than a surname with Effie. Edvin Ryding, best recognised for his breakout in Netflix's Young Royals, steps in as Vitus, Haymitch's image strategist during his time in the Games. Their characters form part of the prep team tasked with turning Haymitch into a presentable tribute for the deadly arena. Joining them are Jax Guerrero as Tibby and Sandra Förster as Hersilia, both playing original characters created for the film. Joseph Zada, already confirmed to play young Haymitch, leads the cast. Sunrise on the Reaping explores the events of the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell, which forced each district to send double the usual number of tributes. The film promises a grittier look into how the Capitol manufactures spectacle and trauma. Fans can expect an origin story that delves into how Haymitch's cynicism and survival instincts were forged in blood and betrayal. With Lionsgate banking on a successful return to Panem after the modest success of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, this cast announcement signals a bold move to blend rising Gen Z talent with an established franchise. As excitement builds, eyes now turn to how this new ensemble will reinvent a familiar dystopia for a new generation.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping set to release in 2026; Date, full cast, plot & key details revealed
Lionsgate has officially announced that The Hunger Games : Sunrise on the Reaping , the latest prequel in the blockbuster dystopian franchise, will hit theaters worldwide on November 20, 2026, bringing audiences back to Panem for a deeper look at one of the series' most enigmatic characters: Haymitch Abernathy . Based on Suzanne Collins ' 2025 bestselling novel of the same name, the film chronicles the events of the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell, and offers a gripping origin story of the man who would later mentor Katniss Everdeen. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category others healthcare CXO Artificial Intelligence Cybersecurity MBA Data Science Degree Finance MCA Technology Healthcare Product Management Operations Management Others Public Policy Design Thinking PGDM Data Analytics Data Science Project Management Digital Marketing Leadership Management Skills you'll gain: Duration: 16 Weeks Indian School of Business CERT - ISB Cybersecurity for Leaders Program India Starts on undefined Get Details 'In Sunrise on the Reaping, Collins continues her exploration of propaganda and power, this time through the eyes of a 16-year-old Haymitch,' Lionsgate said in a statement earlier this week. 'It's a story of brutality, survival, and the cost of becoming a victor.' From page to screen, again Francis Lawrence , who directed Catching Fire and the Mockingjay films, returns to helm the prequel, while screenwriter Billy Ray adapts the script. The book, released in March 2025, topped bestseller charts in multiple countries and sold more than 1.5 million copies in its first week. Live Events Set 24 years before the original trilogy, the story follows Haymitch as he is reaped into a deadly arena that's twice the size of any previous Games. Collins has cited the 18th-century Scottish philosopher David Hume as inspiration, particularly his work on the 'fragility of trust in perceived reality during societal collapse.' A powerhouse ensemble cast Lionsgate has assembled an all-star cast for the film, with rising actor Joseph Zada portraying a young Haymitch. Whitney Peak, known for Gossip Girl, plays Lenore Dove, while McKenna Grace steps into the role of Maysilee Donner, a tribute fans will recognize from Haymitch's haunting recollections. Rounding out the cast: Ralph Fiennes as President Snow Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee (taking over the role originated by Philip Seymour Hoffman) Elle Fanning as a young Effie Trinket Maya Hawke as Wiress Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman Billy Porter as Gamemaker Magno Stift Glenn Close as Drusilla Sickle The challenge of casting without a script Casting the film posed a unique challenge. At the time casting began, neither the book nor the screenplay was available. 'We had to rely on character breakdowns and instinct,' casting director Debra Zane told Teen Vogue. 'It was unlike any project I've worked on.' Producer Nina Jacobson, who has overseen every film in the franchise, praised the final selections: 'Once the manuscript came in, everything clicked. These actors didn't just fit the characters visually, they became them.' The Hunger Games franchise has grossed more than $3 billion worldwide, and with Sunrise on the Reaping, Lionsgate appears poised to reignite the phenomenon for a new generation. 'It's not just a return to the arena,' Lawrence said in a recent interview. 'It's a return to the soul of Panem.'
