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

Succession star Kieran Culkin has been officially cast as a young Caesar Flickerman in Lionsgate's upcoming movie adaptation of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. The announcement, which put an end to months of speculation, was confirmed by Lionsgate on X/Twitter. Fans of the series have been eagerly awaiting news on who would take on the role of the iconic and flamboyant TV host in this highly anticipated prequel.

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping follows the events of 2023's The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and precedes the original Hunger Games films led by Jennifer Lawrence. With Stanley Tucci's memorable portrayal of Caesar Flickerman in the earlier films, Culkin faces the challenge of bringing a fresh perspective to a younger version of the character.

In a statement, Erin Westerman, Co-President of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, praised Culkin's suitability for the role, saying, "Kieran’s scene-stealing presence and undeniable charm are perfect for Caesar Flickerman, the sickeningly watchable host of Panem’s darkest spectacle. Stanley Tucci made Caesar unforgettable—and now Kieran will make the role entirely his own."

Culkin's recent performances have solidified his reputation in both television and film. His portrayal of Roman Roy in Succession and Benji Kaplan in A Real Pain, which earned him a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe Award, and an Academy Award, have showcased his talent and versatility. Known for his quick wit, Culkin's casting as the dystopian TV host feels like a perfect fit.

Scheduled for release on November 20, 2026, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping will bring Suzanne Collins' novel to life on the big screen. Alongside Culkin, the film will feature a star-studded cast including Ralph Fiennes as President Coriolanus Snow, Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket, Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, and Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy, among others.