Kieran Culkin cast as Caesar Flickerman in Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping

Kieran Culkin has officially joined the cast of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping as Caesar Flickerman, taking over the role from Stanley Tucci, who famously portrayed the eccentric host in the original Hunger Games film series.

Lionsgate confirmed that Culkin, fresh off his Oscar win for A Real Pain, will play a younger version of Caesar in the prequel set 24 years before the original trilogy. Directed by franchise veteran Francis Lawrence, Sunrise on the Reaping is based on Suzanne Collins’ newest installment in the bestselling dystopian series and will hit theaters on November 20, 2026.

“Stanley Tucci made Caesar unforgettable — and now Kieran will make the role entirely his own,” said Lionsgate Motion Picture Group co-president Erin Westerman. Producer Nina Jacobson added, “Kieran’s magnetism, wit, and unpredictability make him a perfect fit for Caesar Flickerman.”

The new film is set during the 50th Hunger Games, known as the Second Quarter Quell, and explores the darker roots of Panem’s blood-soaked tradition. Previously announced cast members include Joseph Zada, Whitney Peak, Elle Fanning, Jesse Plemons, and Ralph Fiennes as President Snow.

Culkin is known for his critically acclaimed role in Succession and is currently starring on Broadway in Glengarry Glen Ross. His casting as Caesar is expected to bring a fresh yet familiar energy to the franchise, blending dark humor and charisma.

With over $3.3 billion earned by the franchise’s previous films, Sunrise on the Reaping is one of the most anticipated movie events of 2026.