Kieran Culkin nearly turned down 'Hunger Games' before his wife convinced him

Kieran Culkin considered rejecting Caesar Flickerman's role until his wife helped him approach character differently

Kieran Culkin has revealed that he nearly turned down the role of Caesar Flickerman in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping because he was concerned about following Stanley Tucci's performance in the original films.

Speaking at the film's London premiere on October 28, the Succession actor explained that he initially viewed accepting the part as a risk, given how popular Tucci's portrayal had become with audiences.

"It was already too much pressure," Culkin told The Hollywood Reporter. "To me, this was like a no-brainer: don't do it, because everyone loves what Stanley Tucci did with the role. So I was like, 'They're gonna hate [me].' I feel like I'm being set up for failure."

Culkin also told Deadline that he felt he had a different screen presence from Tucci and did not want to imitate his predecessor or disregard the original characterisation entirely.

Culkin discussed his concerns with his wife, Jazz Charton, who suggested that he incorporate one element of Tucci's performance while developing his own interpretation of Caesar.

"Why don't you do that but pick one thing that Stanley did?" she suggested.

Culkin praised the advice, describing it as the best guidance he received during the process. He has been married to Charton since 2013.

The actor also recalled that director Francis Lawrence reassured him during their first meeting that he did not need to recreate Tucci's portrayal.

Lawrence reportedly encouraged Culkin to avoid copying details such as the character's distinctive teeth and hairstyle, and instead approach Caesar as someone at an earlier stage of his career.

Set 24 years before Katniss Everdeen enters the arena, Sunrise on the Reaping follows the origins of future mentor Haymitch Abernathy while revisiting younger versions of familiar franchise characters.

Culkin explained that his version of Caesar is an ambitious, anxious presenter still trying to establish himself, unlike Tucci's more experienced television host.

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on November 20 2026.