The complete cast for the latest instalment in The Hunger Games film franchise has finally been unveiled, with the addition of two highly sought-after Hollywood stars rounding off the line-up this week.
Lionsgate Studios has been gradually revealing the cast on social media over the past four weeks, which began with Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird on April 23. Filming is already in progress for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, which is set to hit cinemas on November 20, 2026.
The film, which is the second prequel to the original quartet of films – adaptations of Suzanne Collins’ dystopian novel trilogy – is set 24 years prior to the events of the first book. The storyline focuses on a 16-year old Haymitch Abernathy (portrayed by Joseph Zada) residing in District 12, who is chosen to participate in the Second Quarter Quell, the 50th annual Hunger Games, as a replacement for another tribute who was killed attempting to evade involvement.
On Wednesday (May 21), The Hunger Games confirmed via TikTok that Elle Fanning from A Complete Unknown will portray the endearing Capitol escort, Effie Trinket. And just 24 hours later, Kieran Culkin from Succession was announced as Caesar Flickerman, the presenter of The Hunger Games’ TV show in Panem.
Both Hollywood stars’ participation in the project sent waves of excitement through the fanbase. Fanning’s introductory video has already amassed over 11.5 million views, with one TikTok user exclaiming in response: “The casting director deserves an Oscar so bad.”
Another fan commented: “I love that they’re listening to the fans. First Mckenna Grace then Maya Hawke then Ralph Fiennes and now Elle Fanning.” A third person quipped: “Elle Fanning thank you for finally picking up the phone!”
Whilst a delighted fourth declared: “All that mattered to me was that Elle is Effie Trinket. I can finally breathe now.”
Culkin’s role revelation sparked similar levels of enthusiasm, meanwhile, as a Hunger Games lover joked: “I hope the casting director has the crispest, coolest pillow every single night they rest their head because they are coming through.”
Another was equally as impressed, penning: “Naming my first born after the casting director.” Whilst a third individual concurred: “I think casting directors should get their own category at award shows because whoever casted needs an award.”
And a fourth fan could hardly contain their amazement, remarking: “So far, this cast has 14 Emmy and Oscar nominations between them and one Oscar win from Mr. Kieran Culkin himself… this casting is legendary!”
The aforementioned trio of Grace, Hawke and Fiennes have been cast in the roles of Maysilee Donner, mentor Wiress and President Coriolanus Snow respectively.
In addition, the film will feature Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, Lili Taylor as Mags Flanagan, Kelvin Harrison Jr as Beetee Latier and Ben Wang as Wyatt Callow.
If it’s anything as successful as the book, we’re in for a real treat!