Jesse Plemons to Star as Plutarch Heavensbee in "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping"
Yara Sameh
Jesse Plemons has joined the cast of 'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping' as a young version of Plutarch Heavensbee.
Plutarch was portrayed by Philip Seymour Hoffman in the original films 'Catching Fire' and 'Mockingjay' Parts 1 and 2.
Hoffman died in 2014 after filming the majority of his scenes for the 'Mockingjay' films, with only a week of shooting remaining.
Director Francis Lawrence did not use any CGI technology to replicate the actor's performance, instead choosing to rewrite scenes and give Hoffman's dialogue to other actors.
'He was one of the greatest actors, I think, of all time and I just think to try to fake a Philip Seymour Hoffman performance would have been catastrophic and I would never want to do that,' Lawrence said at the time. 'I just think this was the best way to be able to get around such a horrible thing.'
Plemons and Hoffman previously worked together on Paul Thomas Anderson's 2012 film 'The Master,' with Plemons portraying Hoffman's son.
An Oscar nominee for his performance in 'The Power of the Dog,' Plemons most recently appeared in Netflix's 'Black Mirror' episode 'USS Callister: Into Infinity.' Other notable credits include 'Friday Night Lights,' 'Killers of the Flower Moon,' 'Kinds of Kindness' and 'Zero Day.'
The acclaimed actor is next set to star in an untitled film from director Alejandro G. Iñárritu and in Yorgos Lanthimos' 'Bugonia' alongside Emma Stone.
Erin Westerman, co-president of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, said, 'Jesse is one of the most talented actors of his generation, with a proven record of picking his roles selectively. We are honored that he has chosen to bring his own take to one of the most fascinating figures in Panem and feel that his previous collaboration with Philip Seymour Hoffman makes it all the more special. His Plutarch will be both a tribute to the character fans have already come to know and a portrayal he makes his own. We can't wait for audiences to see it.'
The new 'Hunger Games' movie, set to begin shooting this July, is directed by Lawrence, who has helmed every installment of the franchise since 2012's 'Catching Fire.' Billy Ray, who co-wrote the original 'Hunger Games' has been tapped to write the screenplay. Color Force's Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson will produce. Cameron MacConomy will executive produce.
'Sunrise on the Reaping' opens with the young Plutarch Heavensbee in District 12, capturing the reaping of the Tributes there.
Published on March 18, the novel revisits the world of Panem 24 years before the events of 'The Hunger Games,' starting on the morning of the reaping of the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell.
Jacobson added, 'Jesse has been one of my favorite actors since I first saw him in 'Friday Night Lights.' We knew from the start that only an actor's actor could play a young version of Plutarch. Jesse was the dream from the start and we couldn't be prouder to have him join the 'Hunger Games' family.'
'Sunrise on the Reaping' sold 1.5 million copies in its first week on sale in the U.S., U.K., Ireland, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
The 1.2 million copies sold in the U.S. are twice the first week sales of 'The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes' and three times the first week sales of 'Mockingjay.'
Meredith Wieck and Scott O'Brien are overseeing the project for Lionsgate. Phil Strina negotiated the deal for the studio.
'Sunrise on the Reaping' is set to be released in theaters on November 20, 2026.
read more
New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo
Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6
Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series
Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today
Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival
Arts & Culture
Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos
Arts & Culture
"The Flash" to End with Season 9
Arts & Culture
Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival
Arts & Culture
Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha
News
Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers
News
Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia
Lifestyle
Pistachio and Raspberry Cheesecake Domes Recipe
News
Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content
Arts & Culture
Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized
Videos & Features
Bouchra Dahlab Crowned Miss Arab World 2025 .. Reem Ganzoury Wins Miss Arab Africa Title (VIDEO)
Sports
Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer
Sports
Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
News
Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies
Arts & Culture
New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Identity
15 hours ago
- Identity
4 Reasons Why We're Excited About ‘Katalog' Series
Just a few hours ago, the official trailer for one of the year's most anticipated series dropped, and it didn't take long before it started dominating conversations everywhere. With a surge of hype building ahead of its release on July 17, the buzz is real. Brought to you by Netflix and Magic Beans, the series stars Mohamed Farrag, Riham Abdel Ghafour, Bayoumy Fouad, Tara Emad, Ali El Bialy, Retal Abdel Aziz, Donia Sami, and more. From the trailer alone, it's clear this drama is set to keep audiences hooked. The storyline hints are intriguing, and here are four reasons why it's already made its way onto our must-watch list. Farrag's Powerful Portrayal of the Struggles of a Single Dad It looks like Mohamed Farrag's character is about to go through an emotional roller coaster as a single father of two. Balancing the lives of two children, each with different ages and needs, seems to be pulling him into an endless series of challenges. And from what we can tell, the catalog might just be his only source of guidance through it all, don't you think? From the Makers of Mawdoo3 3a2ely and Waafet Regala There's something very familiar about this series, a thread it shares with those two brilliantly admired productions. It falls into that unique space of emotional, human-driven dramas that almost feel like the kind of stories that resonate with everyone. Safe to say, it's shaping up to be a family-friendly watch with depth and heart. And with Ahmed El Ganainy and Magic Beans behind it, that's already a strong sign of quality and storytelling worth tuning in for. A Bold Take on Teen Challenges and Coming-of-Age Conflicts Whether it's their needs, their thoughts, or their impulsive decisions, teens are undoubtedly challenging to navigate on every level. Finding the right way to connect with and support them takes time, patience, and a lot of trial and error. This drama feels like it's offering the right dose of all that, a space to explore these layered conflicts, no matter which side of the story you find yourself on. A Brilliantly Cast Ensemble with Promising On-Screen Chemistry One of the strongest reasons to keep this drama on your radar is its brilliantly chosen cast, led by director Khaled El Halafawy. Bringing together Mohamed Farrag and Riham Abdel Ghafour in a story that weaves love, grief, and gratitude already feels like a recipe for powerful performances. The chemistry between the entire ensemble looks incredibly promising, and it's clear this cast is set to deliver something truly moving on screen.
See - Sada Elbalad
a day ago
- See - Sada Elbalad
Russell Crowe, Henry Cavill Reunite for "Highlander" Reboot
Yara Sameh Russell Crowe is set to reunite with his "Man of Steel" co-star Henry Cavill for the remake of 'Highlander.' The Oscar-winner is set to play Cavill's mentor in a variation on the part played by Sean Connery in the 1986 original film. 'John Wick' director Chad Stahelski will helm the remake from a script by Michael Finch ('John Wick: Chapter 4'). 'Highlander' is backed by Amazon MGM Studios and United Artists, which is run by former Netflix film chief Scott Stuber. The film will open theatrically. Crowe was one of the biggest stars of the late '90s and 00s, appearing in action-heavy roles in the likes of 'Gladiator' and 'Master & Commander,' and earning critical raves for more dramatic work in 'The Insider,' 'A Beautiful Mind,' and 'L.A. Confidential.' In recent years, he's taken on more character parts in the likes of 'Kraven the Hunter' or starred in lower-budgeted movies such as 'The Pope's Exorcist' and 'Sleeping Dogs.' Crowe is next slated to play Hermann Göring, one of Hitler's most trusted allies, in James Vanderbilt's 'Nuremberg,' which Sony Pictures Classics will release in November. He also recently wrapped work on Netflix's 'Unabom,' which looks at the Unabomber, Ted Kaczynski, as well as the Cold War thriller 'Billion Dollar Spy' and the action thriller 'Bear Country.' Stuber and Nick Nesbitt will produce 'Highlander' for United Artists alongside Neal H. Moritz, 87Eleven Entertainment, Stahelski's production banner, Josh Davis of Davis Panzer Productions, and Louise Rosner. United Artists has secured full rights to the 1986 original, which Lionsgate developed, with the potential to also develop a new series. The original film starred Christopher Lambert and centered on a group of nearly invincible, ageless warriors. read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean News 3 Killed in Shooting Attack in Thailand
Egypt Independent
a day ago
- Egypt Independent
Netflix original series ‘Catalog' starring Mohamed Farag to premiere on July 17
Actor Mohamed Farag is awaiting the premiere of his latest Netflix original series 'Catalog,' co-starring Reham Abdel-Ghafour. The series is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on July 17. It also stars Tara Emad, Khaled Kamal, Bayoumi Fouad, Samah Anwar, Sedky Sakhr, Donia Sami, Ali el-Bili, Retal Abdel-Aziz, and Ahmed Essam al-Sayed. It is written by Ayman Wattar, and directed by Walid el-Halfawy. Catalog tells the story of Youssef, a father who finds himself with the heavy responsibility of raising his two children alone after his wife, Amina, passes away. Having been separated from his children's daily lives for some time, he struggles to connect with them. Youssef is lost and confused until he finds a series of videos Amina recorded before her death, which include advice on raising children. These videos become his daily guide, helping him overcome the pain of loss, reconnecting him with his children, and revealing a side of himself he hadn't known before. Catalog was preceded by five Egyptian series produced by Netflix, including 'Paranormal,' which premiered in 2020; 'Drama Queen,' which premiered in 2021; and 'Echoes of the Past,' which premiered in late 2024. Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
