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

Kieran Culkin, renowned for his role in Succession, has been officially cast as the young Caesar Flickerman in Lionsgate's upcoming adaptation of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. The announcement, which quelled months of speculation, was made on X/Twitter, confirming Culkin's portrayal of the iconic, flamboyant TV host in the eagerly anticipated film set to premiere on November 20, 2026.

Sunrise on the Reaping, another prequel in the Hunger Games series, is positioned chronologically between The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes released in 2023 and the original Hunger Games films starring Jennifer Lawrence, which concluded in 2015. Stanley Tucci's memorable performance as Caesar Flickerman in the earlier films sets a high bar, yet Lionsgate's Co-President Erin Westerman expressed confidence in Culkin's ability to bring a fresh interpretation to the role. "Kieran’s scene-stealing presence and undeniable charm are perfect for Caesar Flickerman, the sickeningly watchable host of Panem’s darkest spectacle," Westerman stated, praising Culkin's suitability for the character.

Culkin's recent accolades, including a BAFTA, a Golden Globe, and an Academy Award for his role in A Real Pain, alongside his notable performances in Succession and earlier films such as Father of the Bride and Home Alone, underscore his versatility and appeal. His quick wit and dynamic presence make him an ideal fit for the role of Caesar Flickerman in the dystopian setting of Sunrise on the Reaping.

The film, based on Suzanne Collins' novel, will feature a stellar cast alongside Culkin, including Ralph Fiennes as President Coriolanus Snow, Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket, Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, and Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy, promising a captivating cinematic experience for fans of the franchise.