Latest news with #Panem
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Hunger Games makes theatrical debut in London
Mia Carragher, daughter of former footballer Jamie Carragher, has been cast as Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games: On Stage, the first live theatrical adaptation of Suzanne Collins's best-selling novel. The production opens at London's brand-new Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre on October 20, 2025, and will run through January or February 2026. Adapted by Olivier Award–winning playwright Conor McPherson and directed by Matthew Dunster, the production is designed to be immersive and dynamic. The intention is to place audiences at the center of the action, in a theatre‑in‑the‑round setting featuring live fight choreography, wire work, and physical staging techniques. The Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre, with its 1,200-seat configuration, was purpose-built to support this production. It aims to bring the scale and emotional intensity of Panem to the stage in groundbreaking ways, part spectacle, part live action. This production marks a significant expansion of the Hunger Games franchise into live theatre. Fans can expect to experience the story anew, from Katniss's volunteer moment to her rise as a symbol of resistance.
The Independent
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Ralph Fiennes joins top cast of new Hunger Games film
The latest Hunger Games prequel film, Sunrise on the Reaping, is slated for release on 20 November 2026. Ralph Fiennes has joined the cast as President Coriolanus Snow, a role previously portrayed by Donald Sutherland and Tom Blyth. The new movie will centre on a young Haymitch Abernathy as he competes in the 50th Annual Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell. The narrative is set 24 years before Katniss Everdeen 's story and 40 years after the events of The Ballads of Songbirds & Snakes. Key casting announcements include Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman, Joseph Zada as Haymitch, and Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee.
Metro
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Gripping prequel soars up Netflix charts as fans declare it 'best in franchise'
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes has just dropped on Netflix, and fans are already calling it the 'best film in the franchise'. It's proving so popular, in fact, that following its Netflix debut this week, it's climbed into the top 10. Released in November 2023, the action/adventure movie is based on the 2020 novel of the same name, serving as a prequel to 2012's hugely successful The Hunger Games, which starred Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson. Set decades before the iconic Mockingjay era, this dark and dazzling prequel tells the origin story of a young Coriolanus Snow—the man who would later become Panem's most feared president. Long before he wore white suits and ordered rebel bombings, Snow was just another ambitious teenager clawing his way out of poverty and into power. He's played by Tom Blyth with an unnerving mix of charm, desperation, and icy control, making the fall from grace feel both inevitable and hard to watch. Opposite him is Rachel Zegler as Lucy Gray Baird, a District 12 tribute with a voice that hypnotises and a will to survive that rivals Katniss', though she's anything but a carbon copy. Lucy Gray is no rebel, and Zegler cleverly brings her to life with her electric performance. From her haunting ballads to her quiet tricks, she commands every scene she's in—and fans can't stop talking about her. 'I like how they made another strong female character without having to resort to Katniss' clone who fights good,' @nogoodpho wrote on Reddit. Add in a show-stopping performance from Jason Schwartzman as Lucky Flickerman and Viola Davis as the terrifying Dr. Gaul, and you've got a film that's part dystopia, part musical, and 100% watch-worthy. When it hit cinemas in late 2023, Songbirds and Snakes received mixed reviews—some critics loved its ambition, while others were put off by its slow burn and darker tone. It did, however, gross $349million (£255.6m) off its $100m (£73.2m) budget. And now that it's streaming, audiences are giving it—and its 64% Rotten Tomatoes score—a second look, and this time, they're hooked. Social media is buzzing with praise, fan theories, and 'I told you so' posts from people who always believed the prequel would be a game-changer. @nolanpflan wrote: 'In my opinion this hands down the best movie in the Hunger Games franchise.' 'I was gripped the entire runtime and never felt an ounce of boredom. I just wish they went the extra mile and went a full three hours for the sake of the last act, but I'm still very pleased.I truly think this is leagues above the other four Hunger Games films,' @tacomasters added. Another viewer, @karpaensi, praised the release: 'You know it's a good movie when it haunts you. I watched it and I've been thinking about it all day.' And they're not wrong. Unlike the later films in the original series, which leaned heavily into politics and revolution, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes—which features the song Can't Catch Me Now from Glastonbury headliner Olivia Rodrigo—keeps the focus on the arena and the twisted beginnings of the spectacle we came to know. It's brutal, raw, and unflinching in its depiction of how easily human suffering can be turned into entertainment—and how fast a desperate boy can become a monster. Director Francis Lawrence, who helmed Catching Fire (2013) and both Mockingjay (part 1 in 2013 and part 2 in 2015) films, returns with a sharper eye, creating a world that's more grimy than glossy—and all the better for it. This is Panem at its most fragile and dangerous, and the Capitol isn't the polished powerhouse we're used to—it's the definition of chaos, and it is just starting to realise how powerful fear can be. More Trending Without giving too much away, it pulls the rug out from under you, then pulls it once again, just when you think you're back on your feet. Everyone has a different theory, and that's all part of the magic. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is streaming now on Netflix. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Andrew Lloyd Webber shares safety fears over Rachel Zegler's Evita stunt MORE: Rachel Zegler's Evita faces backlash over trigger warnings – but critics miss the point MORE: Evita fans give verdict on Rachel Zegler's controversial balcony performance
Geek Girl Authority
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Girl Authority
Everything We Know So Far About THE HUNGER GAMES: SUNRISE ON THE REAPING
Over the past two months, Lionsgate has blessed us with a plethora of cast announcements for its highly anticipated adaptation of Suzanne Collins' bestselling novel, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping . Seriously, this roster of actors, ranging from high-profile to newcomer, might rival Game of Thrones for the largest main cast. If you're struggling to keep track of who's who, we've got you covered. Let's break down everything we know so far about The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping . RELATED: Book Review: Sunrise on the Reaping About the Film Here's a brief synopsis per Lionsgate: ' The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping will revisit 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.' If you recall, District 12 tribute Haymitch Abernathy emerged as the victor of the titular games for this edition. Additionally, it's the Quarter Quell, so there's a twist to the reaping process: twice the tributes from each district. That's two boys and two girls per district, amounting to 48 tributes total participating in the games. RELATED: Jhaleil Swaby Steps Into the Arena for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping The Crew Franchise veteran Francis Lawrence is returning at the helm, directing from a screenplay by Billy Ray. Lawrence has directed every film in the series since Catching Fire . Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson are also back as producers under their Color Force banner. The Cast So, who's starring in this buzzy adaptation? Brace yourselves: The Tributes Joseph Zada is Haymitch Abernathy, Whitney Peak is Lenore Dove Baird, his girlfriend from District 12; Mckenna Grace is Maysilee Donner, a female tribute from District 12; Ben Wang is Wyatt Callow, the other male tribute from District 12; Molly McCann is Louella McCoy, the other female tribute from District 12; Iona Bell is Lou Lou, the body double for Louella; Jhaleil Swaby is Panache Barker, a male tribute from District 1; Laura Marcus is Silka Sharp, a female Career Tribute from District 1; Percy Daggs IV is Ampert Latier, a male tribute from District 3, and Rada Rae is Wellie, a female tribute from District 6. RELATED: Sunrise on the Reaping : Glenn Close and Billy Porter Latest Additions to Expansive Cast The Adults Rounding out the cast thus far is Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket, a young stylist for Haymitch; Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, a cameraman during the District 12 reaping; Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee Latier, victor of the 34th Hunger Games who mentors his son, Ampert; Maya Hawke as Wiress, victor of the 49th Hunger Games who mentors the District 12 tributes; Lili Taylor as Mags Flanagan, victor of the 11th Hunger Games who mentors Haymitch; Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman, the host of the interviews; Billy Porter as Magno Stift, a District 12 stylist; Glenn Close as Drusilla Sickle, a District 12 escort and wife of Magno, and Ralph Fiennes as President Coriolanus Snow, the ruthless ruler of Panem. Theatrical Release Date Expect the prequel film to hit theaters on November 20, 2026. THE HUNGER GAMES: SUNRISE ON THE REAPING Finds Its Effie Trinket in Elle Fanning Contact: [email protected] What I do: I'm GGA's Managing Editor, a Senior Contributor, and Press Coordinator. I manage, contribute, and coordinate. Sometimes all at once. Joking aside, I oversee day-to-day operations for GGA, write, edit, and assess interview opportunities/press events. Who I am: Before moving to Los Angeles after studying theater in college, I was born and raised in Amish country, Ohio. No, I am not Amish, even if I sometimes sport a modest bonnet. Bylines in: Tell-Tale TV, Culturess, Sideshow Collectibles, and inkMend on Medium. Critic: Rotten Tomatoes, CherryPicks, and the Hollywood Creative Alliance.
Geek Tyrant
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
Glenn Close and Billy Porter Join the Cast of HUNGER GAMES: SUNRISE ON THE REAPING — GeekTyrant
Eight-time Academy Award-nominated actress Glenn Close ( Fatal Attraction , The Wife ) and Emmy-winner Billy Porter ( Pose ) have joined the ensemble cast of Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping . Close will play Drusilla Sickle, the cruel escort to the District 12 Tributes, while Porter will portray Magno Stift, her estranged husband and designer to the Tributes. They'll joined the previously announced ensemble of Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy, Whitney Peak, Mckenna Grace, Jesse Plemons, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Maya Hawke, Lili Taylor, Ben Wang, Ralph Fiennes, Elle Fanning and Kieran Culkin. Based on Suzanne Collins' novel of the same name, Sunrise on the Reaping will revisit the world of Panem nearly a quarter of a century before the events of the original Hunger Games saga. It starts on the morning of the reaping of the 50th Hunger Games, known as the Second Quarter Quell, in which Haymitch Abernathy enters the deadly arena. In 2012's Hunger Games , Haymitch serves as a mentor to Jennifer Lawrence's Katniss Everdeen and Josh Hutcherson's Peeta Mellark. Close will appear next in Rian Johnson's next Knives Out sequel, Wake Up Dead Man . Porter recently made his West End debut as the Emcee in Cabaret and will star in Gurinder Chandha's upcoming film Christmas Karma . via: Variety
