Latest news with #SecondQuarterQuell
New Indian Express
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Glenn Close and Billy Porter on board The Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping
Actors Glenn Close and Billy Porter are the latest additions to The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. Close will play the cruel escort to the District 12 Tributes, Drusilla Sickle, while Porter plays her estranged husband and the Tributes' uninspired designer. Close and Porter will be starring alongside Kieran Culkin (as Caesar Flickerman), Joseph Zada (as Haymitch Abernathy), Whitney Peak (as Lenore Dove Baird), Ralph Fiennes (as President Snow), Molly McCann (as Louella), Iona Bell (as Lou Lou), Maya Hawke (as Wiress), Lili Taylor (as Mags), Jesse Plemons (as Plutarch Heavensbee) and Elle Fanning (as Effie Trinket). Set 24 years before the events of The Hunger Games during the Second Quarter Quell (50th Hunger Games), it will centre on a 12-year-old Haymitch Abernathy, portrayed by Woody Harrelson in the original Hunger Games movies and how he competes in the games with 48 children as tributes. Francis Lawrence, who has helmed every Hunger Games instalment since 2012's Catching Fire, will direct this film as well. The upcoming film is being bankrolled by Color Force's Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson. Cameron MacConomy is the executive producer.
Muscat Daily
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Muscat Daily
Glenn Close, Billy Porter join new Hunger Games prequel
Los Angeles, US – Hollywood veterans Glenn Close and Billy Porter have been cast in Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping , the latest film in the popular dystopian franchise. Close will play Drusilla Sickle, the ruthless escort for District 12's Tributes, while Porter takes on the role of Magno Stift, her estranged husband and the designer responsible for the Tributes' striking looks. The prequel, based on Suzanne Collins' novel, is set nearly 25 years before the original saga. It follows the events leading up to the 50th Hunger Games — the infamous Second Quarter Quell — which saw Haymitch Abernathy, later mentor to Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark, fight for survival in the arena. The cast also features Joseph Zada as a young Haymitch, along with Whitney Peak, Mckenna Grace, Jesse Plemons, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Maya Hawke, Lili Taylor, Ben Wang, Ralph Fiennes, Elle Fanning and Kieran Culkin. Producer Nina Jacobson described Close as 'a dream Drusilla', adding that she brings 'intellect and imagination' to every character. On Porter, she said, 'Billy can dazzle and devastate in equal measure, both on stage and screen.'
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Meet the cast of The Hunger Games prequel Sunrise on the Reaping: Glenn Close, Billy Porter, Elle Fanning and more
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping just got even more star-studded. Hollywood icon Glenn Close and Broadway sensation Billy Porter have reportedly joined the cast of Lionsgate's highly anticipated prequel. As per a Deadline report, Glenn Close is set to play Drusilla Sickle, the icy and strict escort for District 12's Tributes in this new chapter. Meanwhile, Billy Porter will step into the role of Magno Stift, her distant (and not-so-happy) ex-husband who also happens to be the Tributes' not-so-inspired stylist. The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is seriously star-packed. Joining Close and Porter are Joseph Zada, Whitney Peak, Mckenna Grace, Jesse Plemons, Kelvin Harrison Jr, Maya Hawke, Lili Taylor, Ben Wang, Ralph Fiennes, Elle Fanning and Kieran Culkin. And with Francis Lawrence back in the director's chair, fans have every reason to be curious. The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping hits theaters on November 20, 2026. The project is adapted from Suzanne Collins' latest novel, Sunrise on the Reaping, which was published earlier this year on March 18. Billy Ray is writing the screenplay, with Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson producing for Color Force. Executive producer duties go to Cameron MacConomy. Also read: Kieran Culkin on his Hunger Games debut: 'I have no idea what I'm gonna do' Sunrise on the Reaping is set 24 years before Katniss Everdeen's story. It starts on the morning of the 50th Hunger Games, also called the Second Quarter Quell. Expect a deeper dive into the politics of Panem, the early days of the Games, and the characters who shaped this dystopian world. The Hunger Games series started with Suzanne Collins' best-selling book trilogy and quickly became a global phenomenon. The four-film adaptation starring Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen was a massive hit, blending action, rebellion and emotional depth. Then came the 2023 prequel film The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, which gave us a glimpse into a young President Snow's past. Now, Sunrise on the Reaping promises to take us even further back and show a very different Panem. The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping will hit the cinema screens on November 20, 2026. Glenn Close plays Drusilla Sickle, the strict and cruel escort for District 12 Tributes in the upcoming Hunger Games prequel. The story focuses on the 50th Hunger Games, also called the Second Quarter Quell, and takes place 24 years before Katniss Everdeen's era. Yes, the movie is based on Suzanne Collins' 2025 novel of the same name.
Buzz Feed
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Why Kieran Culkin Is Perfect As Caesar Flickerman
Tributes! There is a new advancement in the casting for the upcoming prequel, Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping casting — Kieran Culkin has been cast as Caesar Flickerman! This prequel takes viewers back 24 years before the events of the original Hunger Game series, and centres around the 50th Hunger Games — the Second Quarter Quell — where the rules were more cruel and brutal. Flickerman was previously played by the iconic Stanley Tucci. To match that level of sass, wit and energy, casting Culkin was a brilliant choice! Kieran Culkin is having his moment in Hollywood — winning an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in A Real Pain, and playing the unfiltered middle child, Roman Roy in HBO's Succession, which has a cult following. All in all, he is doing very well. We are waiting to see his own spin on this legendary character in one of the greatest franchises ever. Culkin has been cast alongside a star-studded ensemble cast — Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket, Joseph Zada as young Haymitch Abernathy, Ralph Fiennes as young President Snow, Jesse Plemmons as Plutarch Heavensbee, Maya Hawke as Wiress, Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee Latier, Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner, Lili Taylor as Mags Flanagan, Molly McCann as Louella McCoy, and Iona Bell as Lou Lou. Behind the cameras, in November 2024, Francis Lawrence, the Hunger Games franchise director signed a first-look producing deal with Lionsgate through his company, about:blank. Francis Lawrence has directed four of the Hunger Game films: Catching Fire, Mockingjay 1 and 2, and The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. Those films were absolute bangers, so I can't wait to see what this film holds for us. Speaking about the decision to cast Culkin, the co-president of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, Erin Westerman said: "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." Furthermore, Producer Nina Jacobson clarified the thought process behind this casting. She stated, "Kieran's magnetism, wit and unpredictability make him a perfect fit for Caesar Flickerman. A host like Caesar transforms brutality into entertainment, and an actor as layered as Kieran makes sure we don't look away." Coming back to the OG Caesar — Stanley Tucci's take on the character was to make him flamboyant, flashy, and uber charming! In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he spoke of his involvement with the character, saying, "I'd like to try teeth. I'd like to try some noses. I want him to have a tan. We have to really make it look like he has plastic surgery." Needless to say, he delivered. Culkin has established himself as an actor with an unpredictable mindset—a blend of sarcastic and dark humour, charming wit, and bursts of vulnerability that consistently draw the viewer's attention. It's this very approach to his craft that will make his portrayal of Caesar eccentric and electric. His co-star and director of the film A Real Pain, Jesse Eisenberg revealed on the Graham Norton Show, that he had cast Kieran for the part, not having watched ANY of his past work, but simply because of his essence. Culkin's naturally chaotic demeanor in interviews and award shows is more than well-documented. Like this wholesome interaction between him and Colman Domingo on Actors on Actors which had fans envious of the contagious energy he possesses. I would say his 'controlled chaotic' mannerisms will challenge the suave and entertaining version of Tucci when playing this character. But since it is the younger version of Flickerman in one of the most brutal hunger games, chaotic is fitting for the mood of Panem. / Via Culkin has talked about his 'free-associative acting style' in the past. He said in an interview with Vulture, " It's written, and I understand the character, and then some shit comes out sometimes; that's it. And I don't force it." And it is this very energy... which is what makes me so excited to see him wear those wigs as Caesar. Kiernan's theatrical and flamboyant movements will bring a whimsical energy to this role... and I'm seated for it. And it is this very energy that excites me to see him wear those wigs. Culkin's theatrical and flamboyant movements will bring a whimsical energy to this I'm seated for it. / Via Naturally, fans are all over this casting and can't get enough of it. I will see you in the theatres on November 20th, 2026.
Express Tribune
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Elle Fanning cast as young Effie Trinket in Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping
Elle Fanning has officially joined the cast of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, taking on the iconic role of Effie Trinket. The Emmy-nominated actress will portray a younger version of the Capitol escort originally made famous by Elizabeth Banks. This upcoming prequel, based on the bestselling novel by Suzanne Collins, explores the 50th Hunger Games—also known as the Second Quarter Quell—24 years before the original series. Effie Trinket. The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping – in theaters November 20, 2026. — The Hunger Games (@TheHungerGames) May 20, 2025 Lionsgate's Motion Picture Group co-president Erin Westerman praised Fanning's casting, saying, 'Elle Fanning's presence is warm, sparkling, and full of depth. She was the undeniable fan favorite to step into Effie's early, formative years.' Joining Fanning in the cast are Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy, Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird, Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner, Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, and Ralph Fiennes as President Snow, among others. Francis Lawrence returns as director, with a script adapted by Billy Ray and production by Color Force's Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson. The film is set to release on November 20, 2026. The source novel has already seen remarkable success, selling 1.5 million copies in its first week globally—more than doubling first-week sales of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. Fanning, recently seen in the Oscar-nominated A Complete Unknown, will also appear in Joachim Trier's Sentimental Value and Apple TV+'s Margo's Got Money Troubles.
