Latest news with #Plemons
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Jesse Plemons Once Played Late Philip Seymour Hoffman's Son Before Taking on His 'Hunger Games' Character for Upcoming Prequel
Jesse Plemons has been cast as Plutarch Heavensbee in the film adaptation of prequel novel Plutarch Heavensbee was previously portrayed by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman in and Plemons has a special connection with Hoffman, having played his son in a previous movie Jesse Plemons is following in the late Philip Seymour Hoffman's footsteps. On Friday, April 25, it was announced that Plemons will portray a young Plutarch Heavensbee in Sunrise on the Reaping, the upcoming screen adaptation of Suzanne Collins' hit Hunger Games prequel novel. Hoffman, who died in 2014 at age 46, played that character in the original Hunger Games movies. The most recent casting announcement for Sunrise on the Reaping, the upcoming screen adaptation of Suzanne Collins' hit Hunger Games prequel novel, revealed that Plemons, 37, will play a young Plutarch Heavensbee. Hoffman, who died in 2014 at age 46, played that character in the original Hunger Games movies. It's something of a full-circle moment for Plemons, 37, who worked with the late actor once before: in the Oscar-nominated 2012 drama The Master. Plemons portrayed Val Dodd, son of Hoffman's Lancaster Dodd, in the Paul Thomas Anderson film. Related: Philip Seymour Hoffman: Read PEOPLE's Cover Story About His 'Very Dark' Last Days 11 Years After His Death 'Jesse is one of the most talented actors of his generation, with a proven record of picking his roles selectively,' Erin Westerman, co-president, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, said in a statement. '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.' Hoffman's performances in the two-part The Hunger Games: Mockingjay movies, released in 2014 and 2015, were among his last. That franchise starred Jennifer Lawrence, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Julianne Moore, Jeffrey Wright, Donald Sutherland and more. In Collins' YA novels and the original Hunger Games tetralogy, Plutarch Heavensbee was head gamemaker of the titular games — and secretly a rebellion leader who ends up a commander in Panem's District 13. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Sunrise on the Reaping, led by franchise veteran director Francis Lawrence, has cast Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy; Whitney Peak as his character's girlfriend, Lenore Dove Baird; and Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner. More casting announcements are forthcoming. While distributor Lionsgate's screen adaptation was announced months ago, Collins' Sunrise on the Reaping novel only came out on March 18. The novel takes place between the original Hunger Games trilogy and prequel The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. At this point in the franchise's timeline, Plutarch Heavensbee is a cameraman staging the selection of Games tributes, or reaping, in District 12. Related: Twister Director Reflects on Working with Late Bill Paxton and Philip Seymour Hoffman: They Were 'Shapeshifters' Sunrise on the Reaping will return fans to the Hunger Games arena on Nov. 20, 2026. Plemons also stars in Yorgos Lanthimos' upcoming film Bugonia, in theaters Nov. 7. Read the original article on People
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
Jesse Plemons is Plutarch Heavensbee in 'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping'
Jesse Plemons volunteers as tribute. The actor has been cast to play Plutarch Heavensbee in the upcoming film " The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping." It's the movie adaptation of the new "Hunger Games" prequel novel by Suzanne Collins, which was released March 18. The character Plutarch previously appeared in "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" and the two "Mockingjay" films as Head Gamemaker of The Hunger Games and also as a leader of the rebellion. He was played by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman in those films, the last "Mockingjay" film being Hoffman's final film role. Plemons and Hoffman worked together on the 2012 film "The Master," where Plemons played Hoffman's son. In the novel "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping," a young Plutarch serves as a cameraman who captures the reaping of the tributes in District 12. Filming for 'Sunrise on the Reaping' to begin in July The new prequel film will begin filming in July. Francis Lawrence will direct the movie, which revisits the world of Panem 24 years before the events of the original "Hunger Games" story. Plemons joins the previously announced cast of Joseph Zada, Whitney Peak and Mckenna Grace. "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping" will release in theaters Nov. 20, 2026.
Express Tribune
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Jesse Plemons joins Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping as young Plutarch Heavensbee
Oscar-nominated actor Jesse Plemons has officially joined The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping as young Plutarch Heavensbee, Lionsgate announced. The movie, adapted from Suzanne Collins' bestselling novel, is set to premiere on November 20, 2026. Plemons, known for standout roles in The Power of the Dog and Killers of the Flower Moon, steps into a character made iconic by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman. Sunrise on the Reaping explores Panem 24 years before Katniss Everdeen's story, opening with the reaping ceremony for the Fiftieth Hunger Games, also called the Second Quarter Quell. The new cast also includes Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy, Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird, and McKenna Grace as Maysilee Donner. Directed by Francis Lawrence, with a screenplay by Billy Ray, the project continues the Hunger Games legacy that has already earned $3.3 billion at the box office. Producers Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson of Color Force praised Plemons as their "dream choice," while Lionsgate exec Erin Westerman called his casting 'an honor,' especially given Plemons' past collaboration with Hoffman. Sunrise on the Reaping smashed sales records when it dropped in March, moving 1.5 million copies globally in its first week. Expectations are high, but honestly, with Jesse Plemons on board, this prequel feels like it's in seriously good hands.
CBS News
16-04-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Before school choice vote in Texas House, a plan emerges that could require a voter referendum
Nathan Cunneen, the Texas Director of the American Federation for Children, believes House Republicans will pass the bill that will spend $1 billion of taxpayer money to send students to private schools. "I'm very optimistic school choice will pass the Texas House," said Cunneen. When lawmakers gather Wednesday to consider the legislation, there's talk that a Republican lawmaker who's opposed to the measure will propose an amendment that would require a voter referendum before it could become law. Cunneen rejected the idea he heard being discussed around the Capitol Tuesday afternoon. "This is just a last, desperate attempt to delay, push the process back a few years so that the status quo can protect their system of control," said Cunneen. The Quorum Report was first to report on a proposed amendment that would allow Texas voters to approve of the taxpayer-financed education savings accounts. The Texas Tribune reported that House Democrats have threatened to kill all constitutional amendments unless Republicans agree to put taxpayer-funded education savings accounts to a statewide vote. To pass a constitutional amendment, 100 votes are needed in the House. Because there are only 88 Republicans in the House, at least 12 Democrats are needed to pass them. Sources tell CBS News Texas that Gov. Greg Abbott is set to meet with the House GOP Caucus Wednesday morning before they vote on SB 2. Under the bill, students will receive $10,000 each year if they attend a private school. Disabled students would receive up to $30,000 a year and home-schooled students would get $2,000. Cunneen said he benefitted from a similar program while growing up in Florida. "My parents couldn't afford to send me anywhere else," said Cunneen. "The school choice scholarship enabled me to get the education I deserved and I became the first in my family to graduate college." On the other side of the issue is Hollie Plemons, a North Texas mom and grassroots Republican. She said that she has been coming down to Austin for months trying to defeat this education savings account bill. "This is not conservative legislation by any means," said Plemons. Plemons said the measure is too expensive, expands government, and that she prefers any family who sends students to private school or homeschool, get an exemption on their school property tax. "What about if parents just kept their money if they were not using the public school system, like a homestead exemption or an over 55 exemption? We already have that office set up and there'd be nothing saying that office can't do a tax exemption for schools if you don't have a child within the district," said Plemons. She knows the vote will likely not go her way, but said she is keeping the faith. "I'm just praying that each of the representatives has listened to their constituents more so than the governor," Plemons said. Abbott and Speaker Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, have said for months now that they have more than the 76 votes required to pass the bill. Watch Eye On Politics at 7:30 Sunday morning on CBS News Texas on air and streaming
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Texas House committee discusses education savings account bill for nearly 21 hours
AUSTIN (Nexstar) — With more than 20 hours of discussion, the Texas House Committee on Public Education adjourned around 6:30 a.m. Wednesday. After hearing more than 300 testimonies on House Bill 3 (HB 3) — establishing an education savings account to subsidize private education for eligible Texans — they left the bill pending in committee. While most of the people who spoke in public testimony were opposed to the bill, a release from the Texas Freedom Network (TFN) said '734 Texans officially registered their stance on the bill, with 502 registering against the bill, 213 registering in support of the bill, and 19 registering as neutral.' The total number of registered stances certainly grew since TFN released its numbers, since comments closed at 6 p.m. Wednesday. Here's some highlights from the committee's long night. State Rep. Brad Buckley, R-Salado, who chairs the Public Education Committee, announced 335 people signed up to testify as of 7 p.m., when public testimony started. 'Your district schools are more than places where kids learn, they're major employers,' Danielle Bryant, a former teacher who opposes the ESA program said, while addressing the rural school choice supporters on the committee. 'A vote for HB 3 is a vote for layoffs and economic decline in your own communities.' Tarrant County GOP Precinct Chair Hollie Plemons testified her opposition to the bill, saying it doesn't conform with Republican values. 'I'm against this bill is because it's not conservative. It grows government [and] creates a subsidy,' Plemons said. 'I am very well aware of the paid messaging that all [Republicans] want HB 3. But I beg to differ. I bet money that Republican voters would not be for HB 3 if they knew illegals were eligible and closer to the front of the line than they are. That an LGBTQ school that is private — just like they have in Arizona — can be created and be a voucher school. That Muslim schools — we have 25 of them in the state of Texas, 16 of them are already accredited — can immediately become a voucher vendor school. I'm positive that Republicans do not want to fund that.' Plemons then got emotional talking about the sacrifices she had to make to put her children through private school. 'I sold my car. I drive an almost 20-year-old car. I have the newest car in my family. We don't go on vacations, we don't go out to eat, we don't even go to the movies, because I think it's more important to have a government-free education for my child,' she said. 'I've been waiting for the last two years. I just got to get through two years, and then. My baby is going to be able to go to that private school, and now this, this isn't fair, Chairman Buckley, this isn't fair what you're doing at all. This is not responsible.' Testimony in favor of HB 3 also got emotional, as Angelina Tamez discussed how she was priced out of private education. 'In my opinion this could be a gamechanger for Hispanic families like my own,' Tamez said. 'When I was a sophomore in high school, I walked into my class thinking it was going to be a regular agenda — take notes, listen to the lecture. However this time, my teacher decided to do this assignment where she posted statistics on the walls. It was for us to be forced to encounter the truth of our education system. Two of these statistics said '7% of Rio Grande Valley (RGV) students are considered college-ready based on their ACT and SAT scores.' 7%. And 'a third of your region's working-age residents never completed high school.' While Tamez said the teacher was trying to motivate her class, she said it scared her into looking for alternative schooling options, but it was too expensive. 'With two toddlers in the home, groceries and gasoline were priority, and like so many south Texas residents, my quality education didn't make the budget,' she said. 'In the RGV, 90% of us are Hispanic and so many of us are first-generation college and high school graduates like myself. Our abuelos, our parents, make so many sacrifices to give us the American dream and so often the public school system fails to meet us there. Therefore, in a community where poverty is high and test scores are low, school choice, HB 3, would allow us the opportunity of the American dream, a fighting chance and where our zip code no longer dictates our destiny.' The hearing started to get testy when Lynn Davenport asked Rep. Alan Schoolcraft, R-Guadalupe, to recuse himself from the vote due to campaign funding he received from Gov. Greg Abbott. Schoolcraft, who originally served in the Texas House from 1981-1993, won a primary against former Rep. John Kuempel. After Kuempel voted to kill similar legislation in 2023, Abbott's campaign donated $965,617.68 to Schoolcraft's campaign — one of many donations the campaign made to Republicans challenging incumbent Republicans who voted against school choice. 'I think Rep. Schoolcraft should recuse himself because of the money that the governor gave him to buy that seat,' Davenport said. 'I'm serious, I think this is a really serious issue.' 'Hold up a second,' Buckley said. 'Don't make a personal attack against a member of the committee.' 'Was that personal,' Davenport replied. 'That was pretty public, it's all public. Go to Transparency Texas website.' Moments later, Schoolcraft weighed in. 'School choice is not a new issue to me. Has nothing to do with the governor,' he said. 'In 1989-91, I was here advocating for school choice. I filed to run [this session] because of school choice, and it was over a month after I filed that I first heard from the governor.' Tensions between commenters and Schoolcraft picked up again at around 3 a.m. After hearing testimony from President of Republicans for Public Education Amy Fennell, Schoolcraft brought up a post on X she made eight hours earlier. 'I'm looking at something that really kind of stuns me,' Schoolcraft said. 'It's a tweet–it's a picture of you in this room. It says 'Lord help me. Representative Terri Leo-Wilson won't shut up. The more she talks, the more the average IQ in this room drops.'' 'And that has to do with the bill how,' Fennell responded. 'It has to do with the credibility of your testimony, that would be it,' Schoolcraft replied. A couple minutes later, Rep. James Talarico, D-Austin, weighed in. 'I've also seen tweets of that nature from our governor, so I guess that's the new standard,' he said. As Talarico continued to address Fennell, Schoolcraft interjected 'The governor's not on this panel.' 'You have to be recognized by the chairman. You're a new freshman — that's how this works,' Talarico responded. The exchange overshadowed Fennell's concerns about language in the bill making it cost-prohibitive for parents to sue if they have disagreements over the dispersment of funds. 'If a parent disagrees with with a decision made by the comptroller or an EOA (Educational Opportunity Organization) selected by the comptroller, they have to appeal that decision to the comptroller,' Fennell said. 'Any decision made by the comptroller is considered final, so there's no path for recourse through the comptroller. So let's say that the parent decides 'okay, I'm going to contest this, I should not have been denied this — it's a violation of my Constitutional rights.' So they decide to file suit against the state. Section 29.374 grants the vendor the right to defend the program, which means the parent has to go up against the state and the vendor. How exactly does that protect parents? Then it gets worse. Let's say the parent somehow manages to fight off the state and the vendor, wins their lawsuit. The last section of section 8 on page 50 of the bill explicitly states that the bill does not permit the recovery of attorney's fees against the state, regardless of the outcome of this case.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
