Latest news with #SuzanneCollins
News.com.au
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
$200m blockbuster's mega cast stuns world
Sunrise on the Reaping, set 24 years before the events of the first film, had already generated buzz well before its huge casting news, largely fuelled by the popular theory that Suzanne Collins penned the new novel as a tongue-in-cheek punishment for fans who had been sharing President Snow thirst traps across social media. Picture: Instagram If you haven't read the book, Maysilee might be a fresh name, but she's a character you're bound to fall for fast. Picture: Instagram 'HELP, why is he hot?!' was just one of the many buzzing reactions flooding social media when Kelvin Harrison Jr. was announced as Wiress's partner in crime, the brilliant Beetee Latier. Known for his sharp intellect and quiet intensity in roles like Luce and The Queen's Gambit, Harrison Jr. is an inspired choice to bring to life the tech genius who famously rigs a deadly potato trap. Spoiler alert. I can't help but wonder, is this round two of Hunger Games thirst traps? And if so, will Suzanne Collins 'punish' us again with another amazing book? He's expected to earn between $500,000 and $1 million for the role. Picture: Supplied Beetee was originally played by Jeffrey Wright, who is just an Oscar away from an EGOT, having been nominated as Best Actor in the 2023 Academy Awards for American Fiction. Picture: Supplied Newcomers Louella McCoy (L) and Lou Lou (R) have me absolutely terrified - they're so tiny! Fans were quick to point out that Molly McCann bears a striking resemblance to a young Katniss, and if you know, you know. What a sweetheart (cue the tears). And then there was Iona Bell's reveal minutes after Louella's. Fans joked it was as swift as the Capitol was to replace her. Absolutely SCREAMING. Picture: Instagram Wyatt Callow was definitely not what I was expecting! Picture: Instagram Ben Wang first broke out in 2023 with Disney's American Born Chinese, and he's recently been cast as the lead in Karate Kid: Legends. Beyond that, there's not much known about this rising star, except that he's stepping into the role of my favourite oddball from the reaping that I never expected to root for. Picture: Supplied 'That's kinda crazy and cool that she looks like Rachel.' Picture: Supplied Fans will know that Lenore Dove Baird, who will be portrayed by Gossip Girl reboot star Whitney Peak, isn't exactly the Covey you should get attached to, but that won't stop us. Picture: Instagram With whispers linking her to her possible niece, Lucy Gray, I'm fully prepared to catch every haunting similarity, and to have my heart shattered all over again in the process. Picture: Supplied 'Please, why did this actually scare me.' The most unhinged and best reveal so far might just be the latest one, with the marketing team pulling a fast one on fans who were so deep in the world of Panem they momentarily forgot they hadn't actually been reaped. If it weren't limited to the US, I'd volunteer as tribute. Picture: Instagram We are absolutely sat waiting to see who the next A-lister reveal will be. Picture: Facebook
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
NYT Strands Hints and Answers for May 27: Full Word List, Theme, and Spangram from Dystopian Novel Puzzle
NYT Strands Hints and Answers for May 27 bring you into a world of famous dystopian novels, where each hidden word is linked to iconic book titles. From Animal Farm to The Handmaid's Tale, today's puzzle theme, 'A Strange New World,' makes you think deeper while testing your word-hunting skills. With the spangram "Dystopian Novel" running across the grid, solving today's game gets easier if you know your books. Whether you're stuck on a clue or just curious about the answers, this simple guide will help you breeze through the puzzle. All answers, hints, and book titles are right here. Get all the NYT Strands hints and answers for May 27 including today's spangram, full word list, and theme explained. Explore how dystopian novels shaped the puzzle and find quick help to solve today's game with ease Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads What is the NYT Strands puzzle and why is it different? What is the NYT Strands theme for May 27? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads What is the spangram for NYT Strands on May 27? Orientation: Horizontal Which words do you need to find in today's puzzle? Animal – From Animal Farm by George Orwell Hunger – From The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins Handmaids – From The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood Games – Also tied to The Hunger Games Tale – A nod to The Handmaid's Tale Farm – Refers to Animal Farm Why is today's NYT Strands puzzle so interesting? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads How can players improve their Strands game strategy? Start with the Spangram – It's always the longest word or phrase and gives you a sense of direction. Look for letter patterns – Words like "Farm" or "Games" tend to have common letter groupings. Change directions freely – Words don't move in a straight line. Diagonals and zig-zags are part of the fun. Use the theme – Today's clue, A Strange New World, was a big hint. Thinking of dystopian stories made all the answers easier to guess. NYT Strands for May 27 FAQs: If you're here, you're likely playing the NYT Strands game and stuck on the May 27 puzzle. You're not alone. Every letter counts, and every word is twisted into a path that doesn't follow the usual straight line. With today's tricky theme, "A Strange New World," even seasoned players hit a wall. No worries — we've gathered every clue, nudge, and outright answer so you can crack it all, from the hidden words to the special NYT Strands puzzle is a daily word-search-style game from The New York Times, but it's not your average search. The twist? Words can zig-zag, shift directions, and take diagonal turns. Every letter in the grid is part of a word — no fillers. The biggest challenge is spotting the spangram, a word or phrase that touches both ends of the grid, summing up the theme of the on May 27, the spangram and the theme take you into the realm of fiction — quite literally.A Strange New WorldAccording to The New York Times, today's theme points to "reading-related" terms. It's all about dystopian fiction — those stories set in dark, twisted worlds that challenge the very idea of freedom, control, and if you're thinking "books," you're warm — but if you're thinking "dystopian novels," you're right on NOVELThe term Dystopian Novel stretches across the grid from left to right. It's the key to understanding the rest of the answers — all are linked to famous dystopian is your anchor. Spotting this word opens the door to the remaining the full NYT Strands word list for May 27:Each of these words links directly to a bestselling or classic dystopian novel, tying back to the puzzle brings together some of the most powerful titles in modern and classic literature. From Orwell's Animal Farm to Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale, the answers touch on major cultural conversations. These books often explore topics like surveillance, authoritarian regimes, loss of identity, and rebellion — topics still relevant titles in this puzzle are studied in classrooms and debated in book clubs, which makes today's theme not just fun, but you're new to NYT Strands, keep these tips in mind:Today's NYT Strands puzzle took us on a literary journey through the worlds of dystopian novels, challenging readers to recall famous titles and characters. Whether it was spotting "Hunger" from The Hunger Games or finding "Handmaids" from The Handmaid's Tale, each word was a window into a darker fictional world — and a satisfying answer for those who pieced it all more help with your daily NYT puzzles like Wordle, Connections, and Spelling Bee? Stay tuned. We break them down every morning so you can keep your streak going spangram is "Dystopian Novel."Animal Farm, The Hunger Games, and The Handmaid's Tale.
Daily Mirror
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Hunger Games prequel launches open casting call - but there's one catch
If you've ever dreamed of fighting your way through The Hunger Games, now's your chance to join Lionsgate's open casting call - except there's one detail that's left some fans disappointed Have you ever dreamed of entering the fictional world of Panem? Lionsgate Studios put out an open casting call for Hunger Games fans to become the latest addition to the hotly anticipated Sunrise on the Reaping - and let's just say, the auditions have been interesting. On X, the studio wrote: 'Your turn. This is an official casting call: one lucky fan will be selected for a role in Sunrise on the Reaping. To audition, show us your best: act out a scene, perform a song, or surprise us with something completely new. All talents welcome. No previous experience necessary.' As the latest addition to the Hunger Games franchise by Suzanne Collins, Sunrise on the Reaping is a prequel centred on the fan favourite character mentor Haymitch, and is set to be made into a major motion picture in 2026. The star-studded cast already includes household names like Elle Fanning and Oscar-nominated Kieran Culkin. Lionsgate have stated that judging for the auditions will begin 'on or around June 7', and will factor in three key criteria: 25% acting ability, 25% charisma and 50% thematic relevance. As well as the possibility to appear on-screen, the prize includes an on-set visit with a guest. Now, all over TikTok, users have been throwing their best effort to make it big. And judging by the auditions, it appears there are three particular phrases that Hunger Games fans took to heart: all talents welcome, no previous experience necessary, and 'surprise us'. One of the most viral auditions so far was made by hopeful starlet @jwalkerbooks. In an explosive (literally) audition, she emerged from a fridge door to the visual effect of flames, holding none other than a bottle of milk. 'My audition for SOTR (as President Snow's milk),' she wrote. In the caption, she added: 'I can be 2%, 1%, whole whatever you need.' One commenter attempted to rename the franchise's famous catchphrase, 'Fire is catching? No. Milk is spilling.' It's not the only food item that fans have been eager to play. Another fan auditioned to become 'one of the google eggs Katniss brings Haymitch', by appearing next to a bowl of eggs in her kitchen. In fairness, some auditions have displayed real talent. User @simplystephjaye showed off skills Peeta himself would be envious of after auditioning 'for a tribute who uses camouflage to hide in the hunger games'. She then proceeded to film herself standing against a wall covered in wallpaper. Some strong acting and script-writing skills have been displayed too. TikTokker @oyesebastien caught the world 's attention after auditioning to be a District One tribute (aka one of the antagonists). Strolling in front of the camera, he proceeded to let out a menacing growl, before saying his now-famous line, 'What was your name again? Haymitch? More like, hey b---h!' Of course, the standard of the auditions have left many doubtful whether Lionsgate could actually hire one of the many hopefuls. Regardless, some TikTok comments have been pointing out that it is pretty clever marketing, with many of the auditions gaining millions of views. Unfortunately, not all fans are happy with the casting call. According to the official rules of the competition only legal residents from one of the 50 US states can compete. Which has left non-American fans with dreams of hitting the big screen a little deflated. Dutch influencer posted an audition 'from district 12 (Europe)', in spite of the rules. Other commenters were quick to commiserate. 'crying from Australia,' one wrote. 'We're district 13, they've forgotten our existence,' another added.
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
Geek Tyrant
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
Kieran Culkin Will Play Caesar Flickerman in THE HUNGER GAMES: SUNRISE ON THE REAPING — GeekTyrant
Lionsgate has confirmed that Emmy-winning Succession star Kieran Culkin will take on the role of Caesar Flickerman in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping , the upcoming prequel based on Suzanne Collins' bestseller. This puts Culkin in the shoes of the flamboyant Hunger Games host previously played by Stanley Tucci in the original films, and there's no doubt that Culkin will bring chaotic charm to the character. Set 24 years before Katniss Everdeen's rise, Sunrise on the Reaping opens on the grim morning of the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell. This brutal version of the games sends 48 children into the arena including a young, sharp-tongued Haymitch Abernathy, played by Joseph Zada. Whitney Peak stars opposite him as Lenore Dove Baird. The cast lineup is stacked with McKenna Grace as Maysilee Donner, Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee, Maya Hawke as Wiress, Lili Taylor as Mags, Ben Wang as Wyatt Callow, Ralph Fiennes as President Snow, and Elle Fanning as a younger Effie Trinket. Francis Lawrence returns to direct, keeping the world of Panem in familiar hands, with a script from Billy Ray. Producers Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson are back under the Color Force banner, and Lionsgate's Cameron MacConomy is executive producing. Culkin's casting adds serious prestige. He's coming off an Oscar win for A Real Pain , which he starred in opposite Jesse Eisenberg, and his Broadway run in Glengarry Glen Ross alongside Bob Odenkirk and Bill Burr is doing very well. The film is scheduled to hit theaters on November 20, 2026.
