Kieran Culkin Set to Portray Caesar Flickerman in "Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping"

Kieran Culkin, renowned for his role as Roman Roy in the hit series Succession, has been officially cast as the young Caesar Flickerman in Lionsgate's upcoming film adaptation of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. The announcement, which put an end to months of speculation, was made by Lionsgate on X/Twitter, stirring excitement among fans and readers alike.

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, a prequel set after the events of 2023's The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes but before the original Hunger Games films starring Jennifer Lawrence, promises to delve deeper into the dystopian universe created by Suzanne Collins. In this latest installment, Culkin will step into the shoes previously filled by Stanley Tucci, who portrayed the older version of the charismatic and flamboyant TV host, Caesar Flickerman, 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 recent successes include his acclaimed performance in A Real Pain, which earned him a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe Award, and an Academy Award. Known for his quick wit and versatile acting, Culkin's journey from child star in films like Father of the Bride and Home Alone to a leading role in Sunrise on the Reaping showcases his broad range and appeal.

Scheduled for release on November 20, 2026, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping will also feature 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, fans eagerly await to see how Culkin and the ensemble cast bring this next chapter of The Hunger Games to life on the big screen.