Latest news with #HungerGames'
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Mayim Bialik, Haim Saban, Uzo Aduba Among Signatories To Letter Condemning Anti-Israel Rhetoric After D.C. Jewish Museum Shooting
A letter from entertainment industry group Creative Community for Peace calling for the rejection of extremist anti-Israel rhetoric and the spread of misinformation has been signed by more than 400 in the Hollywood community. Mayim Bialik, Haim Saban, Billy Ray, Uzo Aduba, Julianna Margulies, Diane Warren and Dean Cain are among the signatories to the letter, which was released Thursday and written after the killing of two Israeli Embassy staffers last week on the steps of the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. More from Deadline Benedict Cumberbatch, Dua Lipa, Riz Ahmed & Annie Lennox Among 300 Signatories Of Letter Calling On UK PM Keir Starmer To Act On Gaza Richard Gere, Susan Sarandon, David Cronenberg & Javier Bardem Join 380 Cinema Figures In Open Letter Condemning Silence Over Gaza – Cannes Billy Ray Returning To 'Hunger Games' Franchise, Will Adapt Prequel 'Sunrise On The Reaping' - CinemaCon 'Hamas, Iran, and their allies and ideological sympathizers in the West have flooded the world with their hateful lies and antisemitic incitement since October 7 — lies designed to demonize Israel, the Jewish people, and their supporters,' reads the letter. The letter also calls out the release of other statements signed by entertainment figures condemning Israel's war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip, saying that 'some well-meaning celebrities and public figures have been manipulated by this constant stream of misinformation, which they have also helped to amplify.' 'We call on all our colleagues to reject this extremist rhetoric and the spread of misinformation so that we can all work toward a future in which all Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side in peace and dignity,' the CCFP letter adds. 'For the past 600 days, the anti-Israel movement has espoused an unrelenting stream of extremist rhetoric to demonize Israel and anyone who supports the country — it's a toxic mix of distortion, bigotry and incitement,' CCFP chairman/co-founder David Renzer and executive director Ari Ingel said today. 'Given the power of social media, it's incumbent on entertainers and public figures, with their ability to influence millions around the world, to use their platforms responsibly. Without a course correction, we will only see more hate, more violence, and more innocent people targeted simply for being Jewish.' Here's their full letter: We, the undersigned, are saying enough! Enough with the lies, and enough with the Iran, and their allies and ideological sympathizers in the West have flooded the world with their hateful lies and antisemitic incitement since October 7 — lies designed to demonize Israel, the Jewish people, and their well-meaning celebrities and public figures have been manipulated by this constant stream of misinformation, which they have also helped to May 21, 2025, we saw that these lies can have deadly consequences when two young people were murdered outside a Jewish Museum in Washington D.C., as the perpetrator chanted 'Free Palestine' — a chant that has now become a call to is horrific — where far too many civilians suffer — which is why even though Hamas launched wars against Israel in 2008, 2012, 2014, 2018, and 2021, the wars were the gruesome Hamas massacre on October 7, 2023, changed the suffering of civilians in Gaza is a strategy of Hamas, with one Hamas official stating that it is 'a small price' to Russia launched its war on Ukraine, it was the women and children that went underground in the metro system for safety while the men fought above contrast, in Gaza — after Hamas launched their genocidal war on Israel — it was their fighters who went underground into the Gaza 'metro,' while leaving women and children above ground to be used as their human is a war Hamas started, and one that they can end by releasing the hostages, by laying down their arms, thereby freeing the Palestinians of Gaza from their tyrannical rule as Hamas refuses to relent on their demand to have all of the land between the river and the sea cleansed of Jews, as they state in their own charter:'The Day of Judgment will not come about until Moslems fight Jews and kill them. Then, the Jews will hide behind rocks and trees, and the rocks and trees will cry out: 'O Moslem, there is a Jew hiding behind me, come and kill him.' (Article 7).The anti-Israel campaign shares this anti-Israel campaign refuses to hold Hamas accountable for the death and destruction caused by their illegal and repeated use of hospitals, mosques, schools, and UN facilities to launch attacks and shield their command anti-Israel campaign refuses to acknowledge that the vast majority of 'journalists' pumping out propaganda in Gaza are, in fact, members or supporters of the terrorist organizations themselves — even joining Hamas on October 7th to help broadcast their massacre inside Israel to the anti-Israel campaign spreads the antisemitic blood libel that the Jewish state – and all the Jews that support Israel – are bloodthirsty, intentionally targeting civilians, and committing 'genocide.'The anti-Israel campaign makes outrageous claims — such as Israel seeking to murder 14,000 babies in a 48-hour period — claims so egregious they should collapse under the weight of its own absurdity. Yet, these claims are amplified by the media, in addition to celebrities who share this disinformation to their millions of followers on social anti-Israel campaign claims that Jews are colonizers, when they are indigenous to the land of Israel and have the right to self-determination in their historical homeland as enshrined by the UN reject all these reject the anti-Israel movement co-opting every social justice cause — outrageously claiming that to stand with the LGBTQIA+ community, or with anti-racist, anti-colonialist, anti-Islamophobic and anti-antisemitic movements, is to stand against is all done to paint Israel — and Jews around the world — as embodying the world's ultimate evils. This is call on all our colleagues to reject this extremist rhetoric and the spread of misinformation so that we can all work toward a future in which all Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side in peace and Ingel, Executive Director, Creative Community for PeaceAaron Bay-Schuck, CEO/Co-Chairman Warner RecordsRakefet Abergel, ActorMichael Abrams, Talent Manager, Constellation Media GroupJason Adelman, VP, Brand Innovators LabsOrly Adelson, Former President of ITV Studios, AmericaMarty Adelstein, CEO, Tomorrow StudiosDan Adler, ProducerUzo Aduba, ArtistShir Aharon, Talent ManagerJillian Apfelbaum, Head of Film, Sandbox Entertainment GroupMichael Auerbach, Partner, Jackoway AustenDean Bahat, Attorney, Ziffren Brittenham LLPAndrea Ballas, VP Communications, CBS/ParamountCraig Balsam, CEO, RT IndustriesGary Barber, ExecutiveEve Barlow, WriterJackie Barrie, A&R ExecutiveJonathan Baruch, President, RainRichard Baskind, Partner & Head of Music, Simons Muirhead & BurtonAton Ben-Horin, Executive VP A&R, Warner Music Group/CEO, Plush Bercovici-Artieda, Director/Producer, EQUINOX DREAM PROJECTAdam Berkowitz, Founder and President, Lenore Entertainment GroupMayim Bialik, Actor, Writer, Producer, Sad Clown ProductionsSharon Bialy, Casting Director/Co-Owner, Bialy/Thomas & AssociatesHillary Bibicoff, Transactional Entertainment Attorney, Feig Finkel LLPDavid Bickel, Writer/ProducerAllison Binder, Partner, GGSS&CJoshua P. Binder, Partner, Rothenberg, Mohr, & Binder, LLPNeil Blair, Partner, The Blair PartnershipEvan Bogart, Songwriter & CEO, Seeker MusicSarah Bremner, Partner, Prologue EntertainmentJoanne Bressler, SVP, AttorneyKevin Bright, Producer, Just Bright Buckley, Group President, COO, Propagate ContentBenjamin Budde, CEO, Budde GroupDavid Byrnes, Partner, Ziffren Brittenham LLPDean Cain, ActorEmily Cameron, Manager, Plush ManagementSarah Camlett, AgentCivia Caroline, Industry Impact Consultant, CLiC Impact EntertainmentMarkell Casey, Founder & Manager, Worldwide TracksCliff Chenfeld, Co-Founder, Razor & TieDavid Chesnoff, Partner, Chesnoff and SchinfeldEmmanuelle Chriqui, ActorDanny Cohen, President, Access EntertainmentEmily Cohen, DirectorGabriella Cohen, MusicianLyor Cohen, Global Head of Music, Google and YouTubeTanya Cohen, Partner, Range Media PartnersLeanne Coronel, President, The Coronel GroupRaye Cosbert, Managing Director, Metropolis MusicBen Cosgrove, CEO, Leviathan ProductionsAvi Dahan, Attorney, Boyarski Fritz LLPRobin Davids, Publicity, Sony Pictures EntertainmentDavid Davis, LawyerDoug Davis, Attorney and Founder, The Davis FirmMirelle Davis, Artist Manager, Wind Up Bird LtdRebecca De Mornay, ActressLinda Deal, Social WorkDanielle Del, Partner, D2 ManagementJamie Denbo, Writer/ActorKurt Deutsch, President, Broadway Music GroupAvi Diamond, Director, Film & TV Licensing, Warner Music CanadaMichael Diamond, Talent Manager/Partner, Range Media PartnersRo Diamond, Vice President, SDB PartnersCraig Dorfman, Owner/Manager, Frontline ManagementRachel Douglas, Manager, Range Media PartnersBrian P. Drach, Attorney, Lewis BrisboisDavid Draiman, Frontman of the band DisturbedA.M. Driver, ActressJeremy Drysdale, ScreenwriterLinda Edell Howard, Attorney, Edell Howard Enterprises LLCJessica Elbaum, Producer, Gloria Sanchez ProductionsTalya Elitzer, Co-Founder, Godmode MusicCraig Emanuel, Executive, The Kid From Downunder Engers, Agent, Emma Engers Associates LtdDvora Englefield, Partner and Head of Music Artist Strategy, WMEHannah Epstein, Agent, CAARami 'Kosha Dillz' Even-Esh, Artist/Comic/FilmmakerRon Fair, Record Producer & CEO, Faircraft Farber, Film ComposerEric Feig, Partner, Feig/Finkel, LLPJoel Feigenbaum, Vice President, Warner Music GroupPatti Felker, Partner, Felker Toczek Suddleson McGinnis Ryan LLPJacob Fenton, Partner, UTAKen Fermaglich, Partner, UTAMark Feuerstein, ActorBradley Fischer, ProducerErica Forster, COO, PendulumJordan Frazes, Founder, Frazes CreativeJennifer Freed, Artist ManagementHilary Freeman, Journalist and AuthorAdam Friedman, Executive, Creative Artists AgencyAdina Friedman, Manager, Artist HouseDaryl Friedman, Former Chief Advocacy & Industry Relations Officer, The Recording AcademySiri Garber, CEO and Founder, Platform Public RelationsDavid Gardner, President, Artists FirstJeremy Garelick, Writer/Director/ProducerBarbara Garshman, Writer/Producer, Garshman ProductionsLLCAndrew Genger, Manager, Red Light ManagementMaya Giladi, Business & Legal Affairs, NetflixGary Ginsberg, Author and TV ProducerJordan Glickson, VP, Music & Talent, VevoElissa Gold, Creative Event Producer & Cultural ProgrammerMichael Goldstein, Executive ProducerMichael Goldwasser, President/Co-Founder, Easy Star RecordsRobert Golenberg, President, Pivot Artists GroupJonathan Gordon, ProducerMichael Gordon, Partner, Creative Artists AgencyAndrew Gould, President, Music Publishing, Roc NationMarc Graboff, Media ConsultantWestside Gravy, ArtistScott Greenberg, Manager and Partner, LBI EntertainmentJulie Greenwald, Music ExecutiveDaniel Grindlinger, WriterJulie Gurovitsch, Producer, NBCElle Hamilton, Stuntwoman, Stuntwomen's AssociationLynn Harris, Film ProducerRonnie Harris, Partner, Harris & Trotter LLPRonny Hatchwell, Industry Relations Manager, CCFPPatricia Heaton, ActressNoreena Hertz, WriterJoanne Horowitz, Talent Management/ Producer, Joanne Horowitz ManagementSammy Horowitz, Writer/ProducerJosh Howie, Comedian/WriterRichard 'BournRich' Ingram, Artist/Creative DirectorNeil Jacobson, CEO, Hallwood MediaJonathan Jakubowicz, Writer & DirectorSara Johnson, Access ConsultantHeather Kadin, President, Scripted Television, Range Media PartnersDan Kanter, Musical DirectorMichael Kaplan, Writer-ProducerZach Katz, CEO & Co-Founder, FixatedMelanie Kessler, Production Co-ordinatorDana Klein, Writer, EPSam Kling, Chief Creative Officer for SESACKeetgi Kogan Steinberg, Writer/Producer/ShowrunnerBlair Kohan, Partner, United Talent AgencyDavid Kohan, Writer-ProducerEric Kranzler, Co-Founder, Entertainment 360Ynon Kreiz, Chairman and CEO, Mattel Krim, CEO, Krim Music + MediaSherry Lansing, Former CEO, Paramount PicturesEstelle Lasher, President, Lasher GroupAdam Leibner, Partner/Agent, UTAAllan Leicht, WriterColin Lester OBE, Chairman/CEO, JEM Music GroupBen Levine, Partner/Link Entertainment, Link EntertainmentRobert Levine, Editor At Large, BillboardAvi Liberman, EntertainerSharon Lieblein, Casting Director, Sharon Lieblein CastingSean Liebowitz, AgentRobin Lippin, Owner, Lippin/Block CastingCory Litwin, Managing Partner, Music, Range Media PartnersDavid Lonner, CEO, The David Lonner CompanyJane Lush, Former BAFTA Chair and Former BBC Head of Maddahi, President, Unrestricted Publishing/ManagementGabriel Mann, Composer/ProducerDeborah Marcus, Executive, CAAAshlee Margolis, Founder & Managing Partner, The A ListJulianna Marguiles, Actor, Producer, AuthorOrly Marley, President, Tuff Gong WorldwideRafael Marmor, Partner, Delirio FilmsNancy Matalon, ManagerDebra Messing, Actor/ProducerMax Michael, Head of Asia Business Development, UTADarren Michaelson, Director, L25 EntertainmentPetra Miller, Account Director, Alive ActivationGev Miron, DirectorElizabeth Much, CEO, East to West Collective PRDJ Nash, Showrunner/Executive Producer/Director, Next Thing You Know, Novo, SongwriterLisa Nupoff, Manager, iminmusic managementJerry O'Connell, ActorJohn Ondrasik, Five for FightingSharon Osbourne, Manager & TV PersonalityHoward Owens, Co-CEO, PropagateScott Packman, Founder and Managing Member, SSP Partners LLCSharon Paz, Manager/Founder, Paz TalentLeo Pearlman, Co-CEO, Fulwell EntertainmentMark Pinkus, President, Rhino RecordsJonah Platt, Creator/Host, Being Jewish with Jonah PlattWendy Plaut, SVP, Celebrity Talent, Paramount GlobalRhonda Price, Managing Partner, Gersh AgencyJeff Rabhan, CEO, Rabineau, Co-Head, Book to Film/TV, WMEGolan Ramraz, Writer-Producer, EGX Film FactoryBilly Ray, Writer/DirectorBruce Resnikoff, President & CEO, Universal Music EnterprisesFrederic Richter, Archive Producer, Researcher, WriterDoug Robinson, Producer, DRPDan Rosen, President, Warner Music AustralasiaRick Rosen, Co-Founder, WMEAaron Rosenberg, Partner, Myman Greenspan Fox Rosenberg Mobasser Younger & LightErez Rosenberg, AttorneyShani Rosenzweig, Partner, Talent Agent, UTABrian Ross, Writer-ProducerGregg Rossen, ScreenwriterMichael Rotenberg, Partner, 3 Arts EntertainmentLynn Roth, Writer. Producer, Director, Lynn Roth Productions, Rothstein, CEO/Founder, Ice Cream For DinnerSusan Rovner, Producer, Aha StudiosJonathan Ruggiero, FilmmakerHaim Saban, Chairman and CEO, Saban Capital GroupWendy Sachs, Director/Producer, October 8 FilmDavid Sacks, Executive ProducerLaura Salvato, Director, Publicity, Paramount PicturesJacqueline Saturn, President, Virgin MusicNicola Saul, Personal Assistant, Warner MusicAnna Savage, Manager, Full Stop ManagementFred Savage, Actor/Director/ProducerLeslie Schapira, Writer/ProducerWilliam Schmidt, TV WriterSteve Schnur, Worldwide Executive & Music President, Electronic ArtsJordan Schur, CEO & Chairman, Mimran Schur Pictures & Suretone EntertainmentSam Schwartz, Co-principal, Gorfaine/Schwartz AgencyTeddy Schwarzman, CEO, Black BearJay Schweid, Founder/CEO, ephelants / VillageAdam J. Segal, President, The 2050 Group – PublicityRick Senat, ProducerStefi Shabashev, SongwriterProfessor Jonathan Shalit OBE, Chairman, InterTalent Rights Group / Chosen Music / Project 30 StudiosCarly Shear, Head of Legal, Hat Trick ProductionsBen Silverman, Chairman and Co-CEO, Propagate ContentTamar Simon, Film Distribution/PR, Mean Streets ManagementMarty Singer, Managing Partner, Lavely & SingerDanielle Solzman, Film Critic, Solzy at the MoviesJeff Sosnow, EVP A&R, Warner RecordsDonna Spievak, VP of Strategic Marketing, Interscope RecordsHalle Stanford, President, Executive Producer, 7 Crow StoriesMimi Steinberg, Writer and ProducerJonathan Steinsapir, AttorneyTracy Steinsapir, President, Main Title EntertainmentDeena Stern, Marketing ExecutiveCaroline Stevens, Director, iSolutions LtdGary Stiffelman, Founder, GSS LawEstee Stimler, WriterLee Stone, Entertainment Lawyer, Lee & ThompsonAlison Stover, Actor/Filmmaker, Luminous PicturesDaniel Sussman, Talent Manager, Brillstein Entertainment PartnersAaron Symonds, Film Composer, AJS MusicFernando Szew, President, Fox Entertainment StudiosTraci Szymanski, President of Co-Star EntertainmentSharon Tal Yguado, Founder & CEO, Astrid EntertainmentNina Tassler, Prodicer, Kismet Creative GroupAdam Taylor, President, APM MusicSuzanne Tenner, PhotographerFred Toczek, Partner, Felker Toczek Suddleson Abramson LLPLee Trink, CEO, Game Theory VenturesEric Tuchman, Writer/Producer, MGM-TVMontana Tucker, Singer/Actress/Dancer/Social Media ActivistNoa Vinshtok, Streaming Manager, Range Media Partners/Range MusicAlex Voihanski, President, Paramount Business GroupVera Wagman, ProducerKatie Walder, ActressEvan Warner, Senior Partner/Agent, WMEDiane Warren, Songwriter, ProducerJoshua Washington, Artist/ProducerJon Weinbach, President, Skydance SportsJenni Weinman, Strategist, The Current Weinstein, Entertainment ExecutiveJarred Weisfeld, President, Objective EntertainmentJoshua Weisleder, Global Music RightsIlana Wernick, Writer/ProducerModi Wiczyk, Co-Founder, MRCCindy Wiener, Music Executive, Realsongs, RealsongsEvan Winiker, Managing Partner, Music, Range Media PartnersCara Wodnicki, Founder, CSW PublicitySeth Yanklewitz, Casting Director, Yanklewitz Pollack CastingHilary Zaitz Michael, Co-Head & Partner, Literary Packaging at WMEKari Zalik, Publicist, Bad ParadeDavid Zedeck, Global Co-Head of Music, UTAOran Zegman, Film/TV Director, Van Zegman Films** Note – The signers of this statement do so as individuals on their own behalf and not on behalf of their companies or organizations. All organizations and companies listed are for affiliation purposes only. Best of Deadline Everything We Know About Netflix's 'The Thursday Murder Club' So Far 2025 TV Series Renewals: Photo Gallery 2025 TV Cancellations: Photo Gallery
Perth Now
28-05-2025
- 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.
Perth Now
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
‘He's a contradiction!' Ben Wangs teases his Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping role
Ben Wang is 'really excited' to play Wyatt Callow in 'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping'. The 25-year-old actor has been cast as the District 12 Tribute in the upcoming fantasy blockbuster, and has now teased how the character's duality will factor into the movie's story. When asked what aspects of Wyatt he was excited to explore, the 'Karate Kid: Legends' star said: 'Oh, there's so many. What really excited me about that character in the first place [is] he's not what he seems. 'I think that's part of the point of his character. He's seen by his community as one thing, but he's another thing underneath, and he's a contradiction. 'He's a logician, but he's got a really big heart, right? He's supposed to be cold and calculating, but he's actually the person who does the most illogical and selfless thing.' 'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping' will adapt Suzanne Collins' 2025 novel of the same name, and is the second instalment of the author's 'Hunger Games' prequel trilogy. In the book - which is set 24 years before 'The Hunger Games' on Panem - Wyatt is a Tribute from District 12, and is described as a 'compulsive oddsmaker' with a keen aptitude for arithmetic and observation, skills he leverages to assess fellow tributes and navigate the Games strategically. His analytical nature and reserved demeanour position him as a complex figure whose actions significantly influence the dynamics within the arena. Wang's Wyatt will appear alongside Joseph Zada's Haymitch Abernathy - as previously played by Woody Harrelson in the original 'Hunger Games' movies - while Whitney Peak portrays the protagonist's 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 landed the highly sought-after role of District 12 Tribute Maysilee Donner. Kieran Culkin, Jesse Plemons and Kelvin Harrison Jr. have also signed on to appear in 'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping', and will play Caesar Flickerman, Plutarch Heavensbee and Beetee, respectively. The most recent actor to be added to the cast of 'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping' is Ralph Fiennes, who will portray President Coriolanus Snow - the role previously held by the late Donald Sutherland in the original 'Hunger Games' films 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' - which will be directed by Francis Lawrence - is slated to hit screens in November 2026.
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.
Los Angeles Times
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Kieran Culkin joins ‘Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping': Here's the full cast
Keiran Culkin is joining 'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping' as eccentric host Caesar Flickerman. An adaptation of Suzanne Collins' novel of the same name from her hit franchise, 'Sunrise on the Reaping' hits theaters Nov. 20, 2026. It is the second prequel to the original 'Hunger Games' series, following 'The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.' 'Kieran's scene-stealing presence and undeniable charm are perfect for Caesar Flickerman, the sickeningly watchable host of Panem's darkest spectacle,' Lionsgate Motion Picture Group co-president Erin Westerman said in a press release. 'Stanley Tucci made Caesar unforgettable — and now Kieran will make the role entirely his own.' Culkin is on a hot streak, most recently winning the Oscar for supporting actor for the dramedy 'A Real Pain' and an Emmy for his role as Roman Roy in HBO's drama 'Succession.' He is currently starring in the revival of 'Glengarry Glen Ross' on Broadway. 'Sunrise' takes place 24 years before the events of the first novel featuring Katniss Everdeen (played by Jennifer Lawrence in the film franchise) and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson), and 40 years after 'The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.' It focuses on Haymitch Abernathy's plight during the 50th Hunger Games, known as the Second Quarter Quell, when he became District 12's second victor. Abernathy, played by Woody Harrelson, is mentor to Katniss and Peeta in the original series. In the prequel, Joseph Zada will play Abernathy. Other previously announced cast members include Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner, Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee, Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird, Maya Hawke as Wiress, Lili Taylor as Mags, Ben Wang as Wyatt, Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket, Molly McCann as Louella, Iona Bell as Louella's Capitol-assigned look-alike Lou Lou and Ralph Fiennes as the main antagonist, President Snow. Fans of the series have been largely enthusiastic about the casting decisions, noting the strong physical likeness between the new stars and their older counterparts in the original series. On Wednesday's Instagram post announcing Culkin's casting, several users commented that the casting decisions were in line with fans' visions for the new film.
