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

Kieran Culkin, celebrated for his role in Succession, has been officially cast as the young Caesar Flickerman in Lionsgate's upcoming adaptation of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. The announcement, made via X/Twitter by Lionsgate, puts an end to months of speculation and excitement among fans.

Sunrise on the Reaping serves as another prequel in the beloved Hunger Games series, positioned chronologically after The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (2023) but well before the events depicted in the Jennifer Lawrence-starring films of the 2010s. As Caesar Flickerman, a role famously portrayed by Stanley Tucci in the original series, Culkin steps into the shoes of the charismatic and flamboyant host of Panem's grim televised event.

Erin Westerman, Co-President of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, praised Culkin's casting, stating, "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 career highlights include his acclaimed performances as Roman Roy in Succession and Benji Kaplan in A Real Pain, which earned him a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe, and an Academy Award. His earlier roles as a child actor in films such as Father of the Bride and Home Alone alongside his brother Macaulay Culkin have also contributed to his notable career trajectory. His quick wit and engaging presence make him a fitting choice for the role of Caesar Flickerman.

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is slated to premiere on November 20, 2026. The film will adapt Suzanne Collins' novel of the same name, featuring Culkin alongside a stellar cast including Ralph Fiennes as President Coriolanus Snow, Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket, Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, and Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy.