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Buzz Feed
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Hunger Games Prequels Younger Actors Vs Original Actors
With the The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping casting announcements rolling out, many fans of the franchise have been excited to see who's playing the younger version of their favorite characters. Honestly, these casting directors deserve a raise, because their decisions are *chef's kiss.* Here are 9 side-by-sides of the Hunger Games prequel characters vs. the original actors: In the original movies, Effie Trinket — the District 12 tributes' escort to the Hunger Games — was portrayed by Elizabeth Banks. She told Behind the Lens, "It's really fun to watch yourself disappear in the movie every day, and watch Effie appear. It required a full transformation. I never knew how old she was, in reading the book. She could be 30, or she could be 100. I imagine, in the future, life expectancy is long, and they use crazy plastic surgery. Who the hell knows what's going on? So, I really wanted her to be ageless. Gary's [Ross] one real note was, 'I imagine Joel Grey in Cabaret for her face.' That was our jumping off point and why we ended up with the rough skin and the gnarliness of that." In Sunrise on the Reaping, fan favorite casting choice Elle Fanning will play the younger Effie. Elizabeth told People, "I'm super excited. I texted the producers as well, and I think she's perfect." Here's a side by side: The role of Haymitch Abernathy, District 12 victor and Katniss and Peeta's mentor, was originated by Woody Harrelson in the first four movies. He told HuffPost, "That was kind of a discussion between Gary [Ross, the director] and I, because I always wanted to make Haymitch more drunk and debauched, but Gary wanted to keep a rein on it so that it wasn't too much like that. In other words there are times when he had to get down to business so, yes, that had to be properly pitched. Me, I am always in general ready to go over the top with it, so it is helpful to have a director like Gary bringing me back." Joseph Zada is set to star as the younger Haymitch in Sunrise on the Reaping. In a statement, 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 [Peak, who will play Lenore] 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." Here they are side by side: In the original four movies, Caesar Flickerman — the host of the Hunger Games — was played by Stanley Tucci. He was very involved with developing the character's iconic look. Stanley told The Hollywood Reporter, "I was in London making a movie, and we knew what we wanted the fellow to look like. Then we experimented with stuff. I said, 'I'd like to try teeth. I'd like to try some noses. I want him to have a tan. We have to really make it look like he has plastic surgery.'" In Sunrise on the Reaping, recent Oscar winner Kieran Culkin will play a younger Caesar. Lionsgate Motion Picture Group co-president Erin Westerman told People, "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." Here they are side by side: President Snow was portrayed by Donald Sutherland in the four original Hunger Games films. He told GQ, "Nobody asked me to do it. I wasn't offered it. I like to read scripts, and it captured my passion. I wrote them a letter. The role of the president had maybe a line in the script. Maybe two. Didn't make any difference. I thought it was an incredibly important film, and I wanted to be a part of it. I thought it could wake up an electorate that had been dormant since the '70s. I hadn't read the books. To be truthful, I was unaware of them. But they showed my letter to the director, Gary Ross, and he thought it'd be a good idea if I did it. He wrote those wonderfully poetic scenes in the rose garden, and they formed the mind and wit of Coriolanus Snow." In The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, Tom Blyth starred as the younger Coriolanus Snow. He told Variety, "I don't think I anticipated how emotionally taxing the role was going to be. I was like, 'I'm part of a big blockbuster franchise. This is gonna be fun!'" In the same film, Dexter Sol Ansell played the character as a child. He told Young Entertainment Mag, "When I first started acting, I never thought I would be on the red carpet, it was such a big pleasure, and in The Hunger Games, it was so amazing." Ralph Fiennes is set to play President Snow in Sunrise on the Reaping. Donald Sutherland died in 2024. In a press release, producer Nina Jacobson said, "We wanted to honor Donald Sutherland by having one of this generation's greatest actors play President Snow." Here they are side by side: Tigris Snow, a Capitol stylist and cousin to Coriolanus, was played by Eugenie Bondurant in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2. She told the Tampa Bay Times that, when she first stepped onto the set of Tigris's shop, "I started crying. It was beautiful. Everything was pulled together, and the set designer said, 'Do you know how long we've been waiting for this? For you to be here?' She said this is the only bright moment in the entire movie." Here's Eugenie out of costume. In The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, Hunter Schafer played the younger version of Tigris. She told Entertainment Tonight, "Tigris kind of feels like the first character piece I've really done that's not like a teenage girl who is kind of like one step away from who I am. It was like a challenge for me." In the same movie, Rosa Gotzler portrayed Tigris as a child. Here's a side by side of Eugenie and Hunter: And here's Rosa with Hunter: District 3 victor Wiress was played by Amanda Plummer in Catching Fire. Maya Hawke will play a younger Wiress in Sunrise on the Reaping. Here they are side by side: In the original series, Head Gamemaker Plutarch Heavensbee was played by Philip Seymour Hoffman. He'd filmed most of his scenes for Mockingjay Part 2 before his death in 2014, but he wasn't able to film what was meant to be an emotional scene opposite Katniss. So, Heavensbee's final words were read to her in a letter. Director Francis Lawrence told the Guardian, "I regret to have that…label of it being his last film. Because obviously, there's not quite enough of him in it. I would have liked his role to be larger." In Sunrise on the Reaping, Jesse Plemons — who actually played Philip's onscreen son in The Master — will play the younger version of Heavensbee. Erin Westerman told Variety, "Jesse is one of the most talented actors of his generation, with a proven record of picking his roles selectively. We are honored that he has chosen to bring his own take to one of the most fascinating figures in Panem, and feel that his previous collaboration with Philip Seymour Hoffman makes it all the more special. His Plutarch will be both a tribute to the character fans have already come to know and a portrayal he makes his own. We can't wait for audiences to see it." Here's a side-by-side: In the first four movies, District 3 victor Beetee Latier was portrayed by Jeffrey Wright. He told Slashfilm, "I liked that his primary weapon was his capacity to think, and that he was less a fighter than a tinkerer. I thought that was interesting in the first movie, in Catching Fire, that among all these warriors there's an inventor. It just seemed contradictory and curious to me. And then I think I was attracted to his sense of responsibility to his fellow citizenry, to the cause, and his loyalty to the ideals behind this rebellion." Kelvin Harrison Jr. will play the younger Beetee in Sunrise on the Reaping. Here's a side by side: And finally, Mags Flanagan, District 4 victor and Haymitch's mentor, was played by Lynn Cohen in Catching Fire. She told the Detroit Free Press, "First of all, I had the joy of working with three of the most beautiful young people. All my scenes were with Jennifer [Lawrence] and two gorgeous males. I was carried on the back of one of them [Sam Claflin, who played Finnick], up and down mountains. When I auditioned, I auditioned on Skype. The first thing they asked was, 'How much do I weigh?' I said, 'I don't know, 90 pounds?' I didn't realize I had to be on someone's back all the time. Then they asked, 'How strong are you?' I said, 'Oh, me? I'm strong like a bull.'" Lili Taylor is set to play the younger version of Mags in Sunrise on the Reaping. Here's a side by side: What do you think of these casting decisions? Do you agree, or would you have chosen someone else for one of these roles? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Elle Fanning to Play Effie in ‘Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping' (Exclusive)
Elle Fanning is set to join the fray in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. The Emmy-nominated actress has been cast as Effie Trinket in the forthcoming Lionsgate film, The Hollywood Reporter has learned exclusively. Francis Lawrence directs the movie adaptation of Suzanne Collins' best-selling novel that will hit theaters Nov. 20, 2026. More from The Hollywood Reporter "You Can't Talk Revolution If There's No Love Involved": 'THR Frontrunners' Q&A With 'Andor' Star Diego Luna 'Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping' Finds Its Louella and Lou Lou (Exclusive) 'Sesame Street' Saved, Inks New Streaming Deal With Netflix In the feature, Effie serves as the stylist for Haymitch Abernathy (played by Joseph Zada) in the preparation for the 50th Hunger Games. Elizabeth Banks portrayed an older version of Effie in the series' first four films that kicked off with The Hunger Games hitting theaters in 2012. Previously announced castmembers include Zada, Whitney Peak, Mckenna Grace, Jesse Plemons, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Maya Hawke, Lili Taylor and Ben Wang. THR's exclusive reporting has included the recent news that Ralph Fiennes has been cast as the diabolical President Snow and that Molly McCann and Iona Bell will portray standout book characters Louella and Lou Lou, respectively. 'From the moment Suzanne released the book, one question echoed from fans around the world: Who will play Effie?' says Lionsgate Motion Picture Group co-president Erin Westerman. 'Elizabeth Banks made her iconic — so who could honor that legacy while bringing us back to Effie's early, most formative days? 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 favorite from the start, and we're honored she answered the call. The odds, it turns out, were in our favor.' Lawrence helms the movie from a script by Billy Ray that adapts Collins' book. Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson produce for Color Force, while Cameron MacConomy executive produces. Meredith Wieck and Scott O'Brien oversee Sunrise on the Reaping for Lionsgate. Robert Melnik handled the deal on behalf of the studio. The book Sunrise on the Reaping takes place in Panem on the morning of the reaping for the 50th Hunger Games, 24 years before the events in The Hunger Games, the first novel that published in 2008. The franchise's first five movies have surpassed $3.3 billion at the worldwide box office, with the initial four films led by Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen. Fanning's recent credits include last year's Oscar-nominated feature A Complete Unknown and Joachim Trier's Sentimental Value, premiering at Cannes this week. She can be seen in such forthcoming projects as the Apple TV+ series Margo's Got Money Troubles and 20th Century's fall movie Predator: Badlands. The actress is represented by UTA, TFC Management and Hansen Jacobson. Best of The Hollywood Reporter 'The Goonies' Cast, Then and Now "A Nutless Monkey Could Do Your Job": From Abusive to Angst-Ridden, 16 Memorable Studio Exec Portrayals in Film and TV The 10 Best Baseball Movies of All Time, Ranked
See - Sada Elbalad
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
Elle Fanning Joins "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping" as Effie Trinket
Yara Sameh Elle Fanning has been cast as Effie Trinket in 'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping,' an adaptation of the bestselling book by Suzanne Collins. Fanning joins previously announced cast members Joseph Zada as 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, Lili Taylor as Mags, Ben Wang as Wyatt and Ralph Fiennes as President Snow. Molly McCann will also appear as Louella, while Iona Bell will portray her Capitol-assigned lookalike Lou Lou. Effie, who was portrayed by Elizabeth Banks in the original four 'Hunger Games' films, enters 'Sunrise' as stylist to District 12 Tribute Haymitch Abernathy in the leadup to the 50th Hunger Games. Fanning most recently starred in the Oscar-nominated film 'A Complete Unknown.' She will next be seen in Joachim Trier's 'Sentimental Value,' which premieres in Cannes this week. Other upcoming projects include the Apple TV+ series 'Margo's Got Money Troubles' for David E. Kelley and Apple TV+, and 20th Century's 'Predator: Badlands,' in theaters this fall. '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 honor that legacy while bringing us back to Effie's early, most formative days? For us, there was only one answer,' Lionsgate Motion Picture Group co-president Erin Westerman said. 'Elle Fanning's career has been transcendent. She has a rare presence — warm, sparkling and layered with extraordinary depth. She was the undeniable fan favorite from the start, and we're honored she answered the call. The odds, it turns out, were in our favor.' The film adaptation of 'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping' will be released on November 20, 2026. Lawrence, who has helmed every installment of the franchise since 2012's 'Catching Fire,' will direct from a screenplay adaptation by Billy Ray. Color Force's Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson will produce. Cameron MacConomy will executive produce. The five films in the franchise so far have taken in over $3.3 billion at the box office. Published on March 18, 'Sunrise on the Reaping' revisits the world of Panem 24 years before the events of 'The Hunger Games,' starting on the morning of the reaping of the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell. 'Sunrise on the Reaping' sold 1.5 million copies in its first week on sale in the U.S., U.K., Ireland, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The 1.2 million copies sold in the U.S. are twice the first week sales of 'The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes' and three times the first week sales of 'Mockingjay.' Meredith Wieck and Scott O'Brien are overseeing the project for Lionsgate. Robert Melnik negotiated the deal for the studio. read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Golden Retriever Puppies' Heartwarming Visit to Senior Center Couldn't Be More Perfect
It doesn't get much cuter than puppies, whether you're talking about your own fur baby or simply ones that you see online. Famous 'TikTok pups' like the @ most recent litter can be an adorable way to get your puppy fix without adopting one of your own, but if you're lucky, you may see an adorable pup in person, too. Effie is the selfless Utah mom and traveler who's caring for these puppies until they find their forever homes, but she also found the perfect way to share the puppy love before they even get adopted. On May 2, she brought the Golden Retriever puppies to visit the residents at a senior center, and the result was even cuter than expected. This is the perfect puppy outing! Not only do these young Golden puppies get to practice socialization while being exposed to tons of new things, but they also get to make these seniors' days without even realizing it. This is definitely a win-win, no matter how you look at it! "I love how little ones know how to act with older people," commented Mary Jo. Both are so gentle, and it's so healing." Golden Retrievers are beloved for their happy and friendly natures, and it's clear that these babies are going to be no exception. These puppies are the perfect playmates and lap dogs for the old folks' home residents. Between their small size, their soft puppy fur, and their low-key personality, what's not to love? I couldn't help but reflect on a comment from @doctorsonics: 'Think of all the lonely dogs in shelters and the lonely elders in homes.' If we introduced more dogs into senior centers and assisted living facilities, it could address both issues. A program like this would offer numerous benefits for local animal shelters and advocates, but someone special needs to get the ball rolling so we can see programs lie this in effect soon. Looking for more PetHelpful updates? Follow us on YouTube for more entertaining videos. Or, share your own adorable pet by submitting a video, and sign up for our newsletter for the latest pet updates and tips.
Sydney Morning Herald
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
‘I'm a specialist': Actor-comic Mary Coustas on finding positives from heartbreak
This story is part of the May 10 edition of Good Weekend. See all 14 stories. Each week, Benjamin Law asks public figures to discuss the subjects we're told to keep private by getting them to roll a die. The numbers they land on are the topics they're given. This week, he talks to Mary Coustas. The Logie Award-winning actor, 60, is renowned for her alter-ego, Effie. She's the author of the memoir, All I Know, appears in the new season of Strife and stars in her solo stage show, This Is Personal. SEX Growing up, what were the attitudes towards sex in your Greek-Australian household? I don't know if we had too many conversations about sex, but my mum was very funny and had a take on things I'd never heard before. When I asked her, 'Why do these jokes about Greek shepherds keep coming up?' , she said to me [puts on thick Greek accent]: 'Well, in my day, the girls had to be virgins and there were no prostitutes in the village. A man tends to the animal because a man is an animal.' Wow. [ Laughs ] I didn't think she knew what was funny or appropriate. So, I'd say I've definitely got a comic filter on how I looked at sex growing up. Now, when I think of Effie, I also think of her raw, sexual confidence. But she was also a virgin until her wedding night. I like to think she'd have given half a hand-job [before she got married], but that was it. In my mind, she lost her virginity on her wedding night. In real life, you've been with your husband, George, for 21 years. What attracted you to him initially? In those days? Heat. I like to say, 'I'd only ever dated boys, then I met a man.' A man! Tell me more. He was in his early 40s; I was close to 40. I instinctively felt that he understood what life was really about. I'd already seen a lot: I was born into a household where my dad was dying – I knew that very young – so I wanted someone who knew what mattered. I also wanted to be with someone who'd help me evolve. I've got great ambition for the second half of my life, but often men still want the girl they met: 'Can't you just stay like that?' I wanted a grown-up. Effie's a bit of a gay icon. Is she arguably also a bit of a drag queen? [ Nods solemnly ] Under the wrong lighting and with the wrong make-up artist. DEATH
