Latest news with #LionsgateMotionPictureGroup
Perth Now
6 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.
Buzz Feed
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Why Kieran Culkin Is Perfect As Caesar Flickerman
Tributes! There is a new advancement in the casting for the upcoming prequel, Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping casting — Kieran Culkin has been cast as Caesar Flickerman! This prequel takes viewers back 24 years before the events of the original Hunger Game series, and centres around the 50th Hunger Games — the Second Quarter Quell — where the rules were more cruel and brutal. Flickerman was previously played by the iconic Stanley Tucci. To match that level of sass, wit and energy, casting Culkin was a brilliant choice! Kieran Culkin is having his moment in Hollywood — winning an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in A Real Pain, and playing the unfiltered middle child, Roman Roy in HBO's Succession, which has a cult following. All in all, he is doing very well. We are waiting to see his own spin on this legendary character in one of the greatest franchises ever. Culkin has been cast alongside a star-studded ensemble cast — Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket, Joseph Zada as young Haymitch Abernathy, Ralph Fiennes as young President Snow, Jesse Plemmons as Plutarch Heavensbee, Maya Hawke as Wiress, Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee Latier, Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner, Lili Taylor as Mags Flanagan, Molly McCann as Louella McCoy, and Iona Bell as Lou Lou. Behind the cameras, in November 2024, Francis Lawrence, the Hunger Games franchise director signed a first-look producing deal with Lionsgate through his company, about:blank. Francis Lawrence has directed four of the Hunger Game films: Catching Fire, Mockingjay 1 and 2, and The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. Those films were absolute bangers, so I can't wait to see what this film holds for us. Speaking about the decision to cast Culkin, the co-president of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, Erin Westerman said: "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." Furthermore, Producer Nina Jacobson clarified the thought process behind this casting. She stated, "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." Coming back to the OG Caesar — Stanley Tucci's take on the character was to make him flamboyant, flashy, and uber charming! In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he spoke of his involvement with the character, saying, "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." Needless to say, he delivered. Culkin has established himself as an actor with an unpredictable mindset—a blend of sarcastic and dark humour, charming wit, and bursts of vulnerability that consistently draw the viewer's attention. It's this very approach to his craft that will make his portrayal of Caesar eccentric and electric. His co-star and director of the film A Real Pain, Jesse Eisenberg revealed on the Graham Norton Show, that he had cast Kieran for the part, not having watched ANY of his past work, but simply because of his essence. Culkin's naturally chaotic demeanor in interviews and award shows is more than well-documented. Like this wholesome interaction between him and Colman Domingo on Actors on Actors which had fans envious of the contagious energy he possesses. I would say his 'controlled chaotic' mannerisms will challenge the suave and entertaining version of Tucci when playing this character. But since it is the younger version of Flickerman in one of the most brutal hunger games, chaotic is fitting for the mood of Panem. / Via Culkin has talked about his 'free-associative acting style' in the past. He said in an interview with Vulture, " It's written, and I understand the character, and then some shit comes out sometimes; that's it. And I don't force it." And it is this very energy... which is what makes me so excited to see him wear those wigs as Caesar. Kiernan's theatrical and flamboyant movements will bring a whimsical energy to this role... and I'm seated for it. And it is this very energy that excites me to see him wear those wigs. Culkin's theatrical and flamboyant movements will bring a whimsical energy to this I'm seated for it. / Via Naturally, fans are all over this casting and can't get enough of it. I will see you in the theatres on November 20th, 2026.
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.
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.
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.
