Kieran Culkin, known for his captivating performance as Roman Roy in Succession, has officially been cast as a young Caesar Flickerman in Lionsgate's upcoming adaptation of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. The announcement, made via X/Twitter, ends months of speculation and excitement among fans who have been eagerly awaiting confirmation of this casting.
Sunrise on the Reaping, set to hit theaters on November 20, 2026, is the latest prequel in the Hunger Games series. Positioned after the events of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and well before the original films starring Jennifer Lawrence, this movie promises to delve deeper into the dystopian world of Panem. Culkin steps into the role previously played by Stanley Tucci, who brought an unforgettable flair to the character of Caesar Flickerman.
Erin Westerman, Co-President of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, praised Culkin's casting, stating, "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."
Culkin's recent accolades, including a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe Award, and an Academy Award for his role in A Real Pain, underscore his versatility and talent. His earlier work in films such as Father of the Bride and Home Alone alongside his brother Macaulay Culkin, has endeared him to audiences for decades. His quick wit and charm make him an ideal choice for the role of the charismatic and eccentric TV host in this dystopian saga.
Joining Culkin in Sunrise on the Reaping are notable actors such as Ralph Fiennes as President Coriolanus Snow, Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket, Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, and Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy. Together, they will bring Suzanne Collins' latest novel to life on the big screen, continuing to captivate fans of the Hunger Games series.
