Latest news with #ARealPain
Perth Now
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Kieran Culkin joining cast of latest ‘Hunger Games' film
Kieran Culkin is joining the cast of the latest 'Hunger Games' film. The actor, 41, has enjoyed a resurgence in fame thanks to his roles in 'Succession' and 'A Real Pain', and is now stepping into the glittering shoes of Caesar Flickerman in the upcoming prequel movie 'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping'. Its producer Nina Jacobson was quoted by Variety saying: 'Kieran's magnetism, wit, and unpredictability make him a perfect fit for Caesar Flickerman. 'A host like Caesar transforms brutality into entertainment, and an actor as layered as Kieran makes sure we don't look away.' Kieran takes over the role made famous by Stanley Tucci in the original four-film franchise. Sunrise on the Reaping', based on Suzanne Collins' latest novel, takes place 24 years before the events of the first film and centres on a young Haymitch Abernathy – played in the new adaptation by Joseph Zada – during the 50th Hunger Games, known as the Second Quarter Quell. The film is slated for release on 20 November 2026. Its cast also 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 portray Louella, with Iona Bell as her Capitol-assigned lookalike, Lou Lou. Lionsgate Motion Picture Group co-president Erin Westerman was also quoted Variety saying: '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.' Francis Lawrence returns to direct the film, having helmed every entry in the franchise since 2012's 'Catching Fire'. The screenplay has been adapted by Billy Ray. Jacobson and Brad Simpson will produce under the Color Force banner, with Cameron MacConomy serving as executive producer. Culkin's casting comes during a high point in his career. He won the best supporting actor Oscar earlier this year for his performance in 'A Real Pain', opposite Jesse Eisenberg, and previously took home the lead actor in a drama Emmy for his role as Roman Roy in HBO's 'Succession'. He is currently starring in a sold-out Broadway run of 'Glengarry Glen Ross' alongside Bob Odenkirk and Bill Burr. The original 'Hunger Games' films have grossed more than $3.3 billion worldwide.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Kieran Culkin joins cast of 'Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping'
May 22 (UPI) -- A Real Pain actor Kieran Culkin is joining the cast of Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, which is scheduled to arrive in theaters Nov. 20, 2026. He will portray a younger version of Hunger Games host Caesar Flickerman in the prequel film. Stanley Tucci played the character in the original films. Lionsgate Motion Picture Group co-president Erin Westerman said that "Kieran's scene-stealing presence and undeniable charm are perfect" for the role. "Stanley Tucci made Caesar unforgettable -- and now Kieran will make the role entirely his own," she added. Nina Jacobson, a producer on the film, said that Culkin's complexity will allow him to capture the way that "Ceasar transforms brutality into entertainment." Conclave actor Ralph Fiennes is set to portray President Coriolanus Snow, replacing the late Donald Sutherland, who died in June 2024. Other previously announced cast members include Whitney Peak, Mckenna Grace, Jesse Plemons, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Maya Hawke, Lili Taylor and Ben Wang.
Newsweek
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
'Hunger Games' Prequel Adds Another Fan-Favorite Oscar Winner
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors '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. — 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. More Entertainment: First 'Wicked: For Good' Teaser Defies Expectations 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. — 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. More Entertainment: Jason Momoa, Roman Reigns, and More In Talks for 'Street Fighter' 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.' More Entertainment: Captain America: Brave New World Finally Has a Disney+ Free Streaming Date '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. More Entertainment: Marvel Star Says He's Done With The MCU Alix Earle Joins Dancing with the Stars: Everything Else to Know About S34 For more film and entertainment news, head on over to Newsweek Entertainment.
UPI
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- UPI
Kieran Culkin joins cast of 'Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping'
1 of 5 | Kieran Culkin, winner of Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role for "A Real Pain," appears backstage during the SAG Awards on February 23. He is joining the cast of the upcoming "Hunger Games" prequel film. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo May 22 (UPI) -- A Real Pain actor Kieran Culkin is joining the cast of Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, which is scheduled to arrive in theaters Nov. 20, 2026. He will portray a younger version of Hunger Games host Caesar Flickerman in the prequel film. Stanley Tucci played the character in the original films. Lionsgate Motion Picture Group co-president Erin Westerman said that "Kieran's scene-stealing presence and undeniable charm are perfect" for the role. "Stanley Tucci made Caesar unforgettable -- and now Kieran will make the role entirely his own," she added. Nina Jacobson, a producer on the film, said that Culkin's complexity will allow him to capture the way that "Ceasar transforms brutality into entertainment." Conclave actor Ralph Fiennes is set to portray President Coriolanus Snow, replacing the late Donald Sutherland, who died in June 2024. Other previously announced cast members include Whitney Peak, Mckenna Grace, Jesse Plemons, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Maya Hawke, Lili Taylor and Ben Wang.
Perth Now
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Kieran Culkin joins The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping
Kieran Culkin has been cast in 'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping'. The 42-year-old actor will appear in the upcoming fantasy movie as Caesar Flickerman - the character first played by Stanley Tucci in the original 'Hunger Games' films, The Hollywood Reporter has said. The 'A Real Pain' star will be joining Joseph Zada, who will lead the flick as Haymitch Abernathy - previously portrayed by Woody Harrelson - with Whitney Peak set to portray his girlfriend, Lenore Dove Baird. Meanwhile, Maya Hawke will play Wiress - the former Hunger Games champion who now serves as a mentor for those in District 12 - while Mckenna Grace has been cast as District 12 Tribute Maysilee Donner. Jesse Plemons, Kelvin Harrison Jr. and 'Karate Kid: Legends' star Ben Wang have also joined 'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping', and will portray Plutarch Heavensbee, Beetee and District 12 Tribute Wyatt Callow, respectively. Rounding out the cast is Ralph Fiennes, who has signed on to play President Coriolanus Snow - the role previously held by the late Donald Sutherland in the original 'Hunger Games' movies and Tom Blyth in the 2023 prequel 'The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes'. In a statement, producer Nina Jacobson said: 'We wanted to honour Donald Sutherland by having one of this generation's greatest actors play President Snow 24 years before Katniss Everdeen entered the arena. 'Working with Ralph has been on my bucket list since he traumatised me for life in 'Schindler's List'. It's genuinely a thrill to welcome him to the Hunger Games.' 'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping' is set to be directed by Francis Lawrence, who will be working from a script written by Billy Ray. The blockbuster is being produced by Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson of Color Force, with Cameron MacConomy serving as executive producer. The flick is scheduled to hit cinemas in November 2026. 'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping' will be an adaptation of Suzanne Collins' 2025 novel of the same name, and is the second instalment of the author's 'Hunger Games' prequel trilogy. Set 24 years before 'The Hunger Games', 'Sunrise on the Reaping' follows 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy as he's thrust into the brutal 50th Hunger Games, where twice the tributes mean twice the bloodshed. As he fights to survive, Haymitch begins to uncover the Capitol's darkest secrets - and the true price of rebellion. After Joseph Zada and Whitney Peak were announced as the leading stars for 'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping' last month, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Co-President Erin Westerman said: ''The Hunger Games' franchise has long been a launching pad for remarkable young actors, and Jo and Whitney carry that legacy forward with incredible heart, depth, and fire. 'After auditioning hundreds of gifted performers from around the world, these two stood out - not just for their talent, but for the emotional truth they brought to these iconic roles. 'Haymitch has always been a fan favourite, and his origin story is one of the most anticipated in the franchise. His relationship with Lenore Dove is deeply woven into the emotional history of Panem. 'We can't wait for fans to experience the story that shaped one of the most compelling characters in the series.'
