Kieran Culkin Cast as Caesar Flickerman in 'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping'

Succession star Kieran Culkin has officially been cast as the young Caesar Flickerman in Lionsgate’s highly anticipated prequel film, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. The announcement came via Lionsgate’s official social media channels, confirming what fans have speculated about for months.

Set to premiere in theaters on November 20, 2026, Sunrise on the Reaping serves as a prequel to Suzanne Collins’ beloved franchise, taking place after the events of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and long before the original Hunger Games trilogy. Fans of the series will remember Stanley Tucci’s unforgettable portrayal of Caesar Flickerman in the Jennifer Lawrence-starring films, which concluded in 2015. Kieran Culkin now steps into the iconic role, bringing his signature charisma and flair to the character.

“Kieran’s ability to command attention and deliver sharp, memorable performances aligns perfectly with Caesar Flickerman’s larger-than-life persona,” said Erin Westerman, Co-President of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group. “Stanley Tucci brought Caesar to life in a way that left an indelible mark, and we’re confident Kieran will make the character entirely his own.”

Culkin, known for his breakout role as Roman Roy in HBO’s critically acclaimed series Succession, has quickly established himself as one of Hollywood’s most versatile actors. His recent accolades include a BAFTA Award, Golden Globe, and Academy Award nomination for his role in A Real Pain. With a career built on his sharp wit and dynamic performances, Culkin’s casting feels like a natural fit for the dystopian world of Panem.

Joining Culkin in the cast are several notable names, including Ralph Fiennes (Conclave, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows) as President Coriolanus Snow, Elle Fanning (Super 8) as Effie Trinket, Jesse Plemons (Civil War, Breaking Bad) as Plutarch Heavensbee, Joseph Zada (Total Control) as Haymitch Abernathy, and others.

As anticipation builds for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, fans eagerly await Lionsgate’s vision of Suzanne Collins’ novel. Stay tuned for more updates as the release date approaches!