Latest news with #HaymitchAbernathy
Express Tribune
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Everdeen, everlasting
My first and only vacation abroad with my parents was special, and I was determined to round off the memorable trip by getting matching souvenirs for my friends back home. Little Me knew it had to be something related to the books the five of us had read, given that this was a time when Young Adult (YA) fiction was all anyone talked about. Only problem was, I wasn't big on Harry Potter like the rest of them. That's how I ended up purchasing four Deathly Hallows necklaces and a single Mockingjay one. Because, hey, we've all got to live up to the main-character dream at some point in our lives (no offence to the school buddies reading this; the gifts were still just as heartfelt). The Mockingjay pendant proved to be a worthwhile investment because next year, over a decade later, it accompanies me to the theatre for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. Expectations for the Haymitch Abernathy prequel have risen to an all-time high, and one can credit the cast announcements for that. It's not everyday that you see the cast for a film adaptation meet the fans' standards. But between book-accurate features and striking resemblances, Sunrise on the Reaping continues to impress. It's as if we can watch the film unfold while it's still in production. I mean, Kieran Culkin taking over Stanley Tucci's legacy? Name a better pick. Of course, there are always exceptions, but this isn't the first time The Hunger Games franchise has hit the mark with its cast. The previous batch belonged to the President Snow prequel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, which stunned audiences by bringing Tom Blyth onboard as Donald Sutherland's young counterpart among other top-tier casting choices. And while the crews for each feature deserve every bit of the praise they rack up, it's hard to imagine a world where The Hunger Games films would be able generate this much fanfare without the enduring glory of the books. Dystopian yardstick The original Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins became a worldwide sensation during the 2010s, leading the way for YA dystopian novels that tailed the genre's success. The most prominent example that comes to mind is Divergent and its subsequent novels, which set up a world divided into five factions - like the 12 districts from The Hunger Games. In similar fashion as the latter, Divergent, too, has a young female protagonist, Tris, who finds herself in the centre of a budding revolution. The amount of similarities might have you squinting to find the differences between the universes, and that's true not just for Divergent but for the many novel series published after The Hunger Games. This is not an attempt to incite plagiarism debates, but to understand Collins' cultural impact and the formula it inspired. A teenage huntress entangled in an uprising much larger than her unsophisticated existence (and possibly, simultaneously a love triangle) because she is the chosen one destined to lead the people. How many stories come to mind? Except, the thing about Katniss Everdeen is that she's neither the ideal pick for the 'chosen one' archetype, nor is she qualified to lead anyone. Katniss is not a warrior but an underprivileged girl who is forced to match pace with her circumstances. She earns no medals because nobody wins in a war. Because even if you make it out of the arena alive, the Games never truly leave you. What Katniss represents Katniss is not, as the kids say, a girlboss. That's what drew Little Me and like-minded readers to her more than traditional heroes. She never sets out to be one. She doesn't aspire for greatness. She just wants to be left alone, safe and sound. But grief propels her actions, leading her to spark a blood-soaked revolution. She is a symbol by condition, not by choice. In a meta extension, the Girl on Fire also unintentionally shaped what readers now seek in female protagonists, just as in the books she's reluctantly coaxed into becoming the Mockingjay despite being just a kid reacting to life-or-death stakes. Even after all these years, as critics pick apart other franchises for relying on ambience over coherent plots, Katniss's flame still burns. Thanks to the position she's assigned in the story, she becomes a gateway for a deeper exploration of characters she inspired, even those she came in conflict with, allowing the author to effectively revisit the gruesome world of death trials. Coriolanus Snow's side of the story would not have seen the light of day, a decade after Mockingjay, were it not for the impact his nemesis had on the world. Here, too, Katniss went unknowingly meta by sparking a revolution of sorts, one motivated entirely by grief and no larger purpose. The impact of many other protagonists, who tried to emulate Katniss' charm, didn't land because this archer didn't set out to be charming. Or a standout. Because the real world is home to many Katniss Everdeens. Real-world implications Maturing with The Hunger Games is effective in making one realise that the dystopia we read about isn't situated too far into the future - that is, if it's not already here. In a world infused with humanitarian issues, growing up upset at endless conflict is still a privileged position to be in compared to what someone else your age might be going through. The world raises Katniss Everdeens, individuals who are morally compelled to take a stand if they desire safety, but it also has Coriolanus Snows, opportunists who have seen hardship only to chain it down with an unrelenting power-grab. The world also births Haymitch Abernathys, who pay a lifelong price for stepping out of line in hopes of putting an end to prejudice. While at the same time, it nurtures politically distant yet somehow well-meaning souls like Effie Trinket, who rectify their ways the older they get. That's why The Hunger Games has secured a mural in literary history. Because it's not merely a cautionary tale, but a community-focused narrative; not a story of one, but a story of many — prisoners of war, martyrs, dead-weight expendables, and people who are tragically buried in statistics. It is a story of people who fight the good fight versus people who don't. People who exploit their odds to reign on top versus people who don't. It's a cycle of heroes, villains, and everyone caught in between. It's a tale of unceasing collateral damage. And just as the arena of the Games doesn't let you escape once you're inside, The Hunger Games has seeped into every crevice of culture and conflict to the point that it has become difficult to ignore. And it will stay relevant as long as the flames of resistance burn, as long as the odds are ever in favour of change.
Grazia USA
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Grazia USA
Elle Fanning, Maya Hawke, Kieran Culkin, and More Join 'The Hunger Games' Prequel Cast
Actor Jennifer Lawrence on the set of the film 'The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part II', Berlin, Germany, 2013. {Photo by} Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping dropped in March of this year, revisiting the dystopian world of the beloved original series. The book follows the fan-favourite Haymitch Abernathy (portrayed by Woody Harrelson in the original film trilogy) as he competes in the 50th Hunger Games—24 years before he mentors Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark in their games. This is also the second quarter quell, where double the usual number of tributes compete. The film adaptation is set to hit theatres in November of 2026, with the announcement coming as no surprise following the success of the previous films. As expected, fans have been eagerly awaiting casting and were rewarded with the first announcement on the 23rd of April this year, with the two leading roles announced. Following this, Lionsgate has been revealing the rest of the cast over the last month. Read on for all we know. Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy Joseph Zada / Image: @primevideo Joseph Zada will be playing Haymitch Abernathy—a tribute from District 12 who competes in the 50th annual Hunger Games. In terms of securing the iconic role, according to the casting directors, '[Zada] prepared like crazy and stole our hearts.' Woody Harrelson on the set of the film, 'The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part I', Atlanta, USA, 2013. {Photo by} The 20-year-old Australian actor has previously starred in the Stan original series Invisible Boys , as well as the upcoming We Were Liars , and East of Eden series. With the latter two also being book adaptations— We Were Liars, a young-adult bestseller, and East of Eden, a John Steinbeck classic that he will star in alongside Florence Pugh and Mike Faist. Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird Whitney Peak attends the Opening Season Ballet Gala At Palais Garnier, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Julien M. Hekimian/Getty Images) Whitney Peak will portray Lenore Dove Baird—Haymitch's girlfriend and a fellow District 12 resident. Producer Nina Jacobson told Variety that casting Peak was 'one of those magical casting moments when you know your search has led you home.' Peak is best known for her role as Zoya Lott in the 2021 Gossip Girl reboot, but has also starred in Hocus Pocus 2 and the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina series. The actress was also appointed a Chanel brand ambassador in 2021 and became the first Black woman to be the face of the Coco Mademoiselle fragrance in 2023. Ralph Fiennes as President Snow Ralph Fiennes attends the 2025 National Board of Review Gala, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by) Ralph Fiennes will be portraying the abhorred dictator of Panem, President Snow. Tom Blyth took on the role for Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes , while the late Donald Sutherland was the first to portray Snow in the original series. Donald Sutherland on the set of the film, 'The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part I', Paris, France, 2013. {Photo by} The Oscar-nominated actor is best known for works such as Schindler's List , The English Patient , and recently Conclave. As well as Maid in Manhattan, The Menu, and of course, for playing another iconic villain, Voldemort, in the Harry Potter franchise. Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket Elle Fanning attends the 2025 Golden Globe Awards, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Taylor Hill/FilmMagic) Elle Fanning will be taking on the role of Effie Trinket, who helps her sister with styling duties for the District 12 tributes. Originally played by Elizabeth Banks, the character becomes a stylist in her own right by the time we see her as an adult in The Hunger Games. Elizabeth Banks (L) and Jennifer Lawrence (R) on the set of the film 'The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part I', Paris, France, 2013. {Photo by} Most recently, Fanning has starred in the period dramedy series The Great, as well as the Oscar-nominated film A Complete Unknown alongside Timothée Chalamet. Previously, she has also appeared in Maleficent , The Curious Case of Benjamin Button , and Super 8 . Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman Kieran Culkin at the 31st Screen Actors Guild Awards, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty Images) Kieran Culkin will portray the eccentric TV host Caesar Flickerman, a role previously taken on by Stanley Tucci. 'Stanley Tucci made Caesar unforgettable—and now Kieran will make the role entirely his own,' is what Lionsgate co-president Erin Westerman had to say on the casting. The actor is best known for his Emmy Award-winning role as Roman Roy in the TV series Succession . More recently, he also won an Academy Award for his work in A Real Pain . Other appearances have included those in Home Alone , Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, and She's All That . Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner Mckenna Grace attends the 'Cazafantasmas: El Imperio Helado' photocall at Mandarín Oriental Ritz Hotel on March 18, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by) Mckenna Grace will play Maysilee Donner, who is one of the two female tributes from District 12. The actress is no newcomer, having entered the acting profession at a young age, and has starred in countless roles in titles such as, I, Tonya , Captain Marvel , Ghostbusters: Afterlife, The Vampire Diaries , Once Upon a Time , The Haunting of Hill House , The Handmaid's Tale , and many more. Her upcoming projects include Scream 7 and Freddy's 2 . Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee Jesse Plemons attends the Los Angeles premiere of A24's 'Civil War', 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Aliah Anderson/FilmMagic ) Jesse Plemons will play a young Plutarch Heavensbee. Previously portrayed by Phillip Seymour Hoffman, the character eventually becomes a gamemaker; however, in this earlier setting, he is a cameraperson who becomes involved in Haymitch's life. Plemons' breakout role was in Friday Night Lights , and ever since, he has starred in films such as The Irishman, Judas and the Black Messiah, Killers of the Flower Moon, and The Power of the Dog. He has also starred in some incredible shows, including Breaking Bad and Fargo . Off-screen, the actor is married to Kristen Dunst, with whom he shares two children. Maya Hawke as Wiress Maya Hawke attends the 2023 Time100 Next at Second on October 24, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Taylor Hill/FilmMagic) Maya Hawke will be portraying the winner of the 49th Hunger Games—Wiress—who returns to mentor the tributes for the 50th. She was portrayed by Amanda Plummer in the original trilogy. Hawke is most known for her breakout Stranger Things role, and has since starred in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Do Revenge, and as the voice of Anxiety in Inside Out 2 . Outside of her acting, Hawke is known for being the daughter of stars Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke. Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee Kelvin Harrison Jr. at the 15th Annual AAFCA Awards, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Tommaso Boddi/Variety via Getty Images) Kelvin Harrison Jr. plays the familiar Beetee—winner of the 34th Hunger Games—whose son is competing in the 50th. The role was portrayed by Jeffrey Wright in both Catching Fire and Mockingjay . The actor is best known for his roles in The Trial of the Chicago 7 , Godfather of Harlem, Elvis, and most recently for voicing Taka in Mufasa: The Lion King. Lili Taylor as Mags Flanagan Lili Taylor attends the AITAF 10th Anniversary Celebration, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by) Lili Taylor will be playing District 4's Mags Flanagan—winner of the 11th Hunger Games and mentor in the 50th. Lynn Cohen previously portrayed the role in Catching Fire . Taylor is known for 80s film classics such as Mystic Pizza , as well as later roles in Rudy, High Fidelity , and The Conjuring. She has also starred in multiple series such as Marvel's Daredevil: Born Again and Outer Range . Taylor has also ventured into the world of writing, with her book Turning to Birds: The Power and Beauty of Noticing. topics: The Hunger Games, sunrise on the reaping, joseph zada, whitney peak, Ralph Fiennes, Kieran Culkin, Elle Fanning, mckenna grace, jesse plemons, Maya Hawke, kalvin harrison jr, lili taylor, Woody Harrelson, catching fire, mockingjay, celebrity, celebrity news, Film News, film, movies, Film + TV
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'Hunger Games prequel Sunshine on the Reaping makes the franchise more exciting than ever'
The Hunger Games may have changed the game back in 2012 but the franchise has never been more exciting than it is right now, with the upcoming release of prequel Sunrise on the Reaping. The forthcoming movie follows the experience of Haymitch Abernathy (originally portrayed by Woody Harrelson, next played Joseph Zada) when he was reaped into the 50th Hunger Games, where all districts had to produce double the amount of tributes for the deadly event. It explains how the character came to become the broken man he is during the events of the original trilogy, and why he was so determined to tear down the Capital and its leader President Snow. In recent weeks Lionsgate has announced several members of the cast, the most recent names include Kieran Culkin, Elle Fanning, Jesse Plemons, Maya Hawke, and Ralph Fiennes as iconic characters Caesar Flickerman, Effie Trinket, Plutarch Heavensbee, Wiress, and Coriolanus Snow. Sunrise on the Reaping has gathered possibly the best cast humanly possible for the film, not only are all the actors spitting images of their predecessors (or should we say successors) they are also all some of the best in the business. These are actors who are all currently at the top of their game, a who's who of the hottest talent in Hollywood and a cast that feels almost too good to be true. The original trilogy had a fantastic troupe of actors, don't get me wrong — we will never forget the wonderful work of the late great Donald Sutherland and Phillip Seymour Hoffman — but the movies were a star-making vehicle for Jennifer Lawrence. Sunrise on the Reaping just feels different. The Hunger Games franchise is already established as a pinnacle of success in Hollywood, and that means the creative team are making some really exciting choices when it comes to the prequel. It's bold and unexpected, Culkin playing a younger version of Stanley Tucci? That wasn't on my 2025 bingo card, but words can't describe my excitement at seeing the Oscar winner camp it up as Caesar. And don't get me started on Fiennes, he is an acting powerhouse and if anyone is capable of matching Sutherland's villainous presence on screen it's Fiennes. The actor will certainly deliver President Snow's epic monologues with panache whilst expertly conveying the subtle malice of the man, he's already proven more than capable of it with roles like Lord Voldemort. Then there's actors like Fanning and Plemmons, two actors who have been on fancasts for years to play Effie and Plutarch. The studio are clearly well in tune with what their audience want, and are ready and willing to do whatever it takes to deliver the best version of this story as possible. Speaking of the story, as the second prequel in a franchise it might seem surprising to those unfamiliar with The Hunger Games world that this is exciting and not a cash grab. But that's the thing, it is perhaps the most exciting story author Suzanne Collins could have delivered because it is Haymitch's origin story — a character beloved by fans, and whose experiences readers have been begging to know for years. Finally Collins has delivered, and Sunrise on the Reaping certainly doesn't disappoint with its intense and dramatic plot. I will not elaborate on the ins and outs of the story here though, that would spoil the movie for anyone who hasn't read the book. But to see the story come to life on screen is a really exciting prospect. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, the first prequel which centred on President Snow's life, was a smash hit at the box office, and given Sunrise on the Reaping's cast so far (and the fact it focuses on a fan favourite character) it's likely to repeat this success in November 2026. I, for one, can't wait to see what Collins and director Francis Lawrence, who has helmed every film since 2013's Catching Fire, deliver with Sunrise on the Reaping. And, honestly, I hope to see many, many more stories within the world of Panam to come, because it feels like The Hunger Games franchise has so much more to give, and can only go up from here. The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping will land in cinemas on 20 November, 2026.
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.'
GMA Network
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
Kieran Culkin is Caesar Flickerman in ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping' film
'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping" is coming together quite nicely as Kieran Culkin joins the cast! On X (formerly Twitter), the hit movie franchise announced Culkin will take on the role of Caesar Flickerman. A famed host of Hunger Games, Caesar is responsible for interviewing tributes the night before the competition began. Aside from Kieran, other actors announced to join the cast are Elle Fanning (Effie), Iona Bell (Lou Lou), Molly McCann (Louella McCoy), Ralph Fiennes (President Coriolanus Snow), Ben Wang (Wyatt Callow), Lili Taylor (Mags Flanagan), Maya Hawke (Wiress), Kelvin Harrison Jr. (Beetee Latier), Jesse Plemons (Plutarch Heavensbee), McKenna Grace (Maysilee Donner), and Joseph Zada (Haymitch Abernathy). Released as a book last March, 'Sunrise on the Reaping' is a prequel set 24 years before Katniss' first Hunger Games and is set 40 years after the first Hunger Games prequel 'Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.' Set for film release on November 20, 2026, the story will follow the story of Haymitch Abernathy and his experience as one of the four District 12 tributes for the 50th Hunger Games or the 2nd Quarter Quell. Caesar Flickerman. The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping – in theaters November 20, 2026. — The Hunger Games (@TheHungerGames) May 21, 2025 — Jade Veronique Yap/LA, GMA Integrated News
