Kieran Culkin, renowned for his standout performances in HBO's Succession and the award-winning film A Real Pain, has officially been cast as the young Caesar Flickerman in Lionsgate's upcoming adaptation of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. The announcement, which puts an end to months of swirling rumors, was made on X/Twitter by Lionsgate, thrilling fans and confirming what many had hoped for in their fancasts.
Set to hit theaters on November 20, 2026, Sunrise on the Reaping is the latest prequel in the beloved Hunger Games series. Positioned chronologically after The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (2023) and well before the events of the original films starring Jennifer Lawrence, this new installment promises to delve deeper into the dystopian world created by Suzanne Collins.
Culkin steps into the role of Caesar Flickerman, the vibrant and eccentric TV host of the Hunger Games, a character originally brought to life by Stanley Tucci in the earlier films. 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 career has seen a resurgence with his critically acclaimed roles, including Roman Roy in Succession and Benji Kaplan in A Real Pain, which earned him a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe Award, and an Academy Award. His earlier work as a child actor in films like Father of the Bride and Home Alone alongside his brother Macaulay Culkin, showcases his versatility and enduring appeal. His quick wit and charm make him an ideal choice for the role of Caesar Flickerman, promising a fresh yet fitting interpretation of the iconic character.
Joining Culkin in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping are a stellar cast including Ralph Fiennes as President Coriolanus Snow, Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket, Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, and Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy. As anticipation builds for this cinematic return to Panem, fans can look forward to seeing how this talented ensemble brings Collins' latest novel to life on the big screen.
