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

Kieran Culkin, renowned for his role in *Succession*, has officially been cast as a young Caesar Flickerman in Lionsgate's upcoming adaptation of *The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping*. After months of speculation and rumors, Lionsgate confirmed the news via X/Twitter, putting an end to the guessing game surrounding the casting of the iconic character. As fans eagerly await the next installment in the beloved franchise, all eyes are on Lionsgate to bring this thrilling prequel to life.

Set to hit theaters on November 20, 2026, *Sunrise on the Reaping* serves as another eagerly anticipated prequel in the *Hunger Games* series. The story unfolds after the events of *The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes* (2023) and well before the original *Hunger Games* films starring Jennifer Lawrence. Kieran Culkin steps into the role previously brought to life by Stanley Tucci, who portrayed the older Caesar Flickerman in the films that concluded in 2015. Culkin now faces the challenge of filling those significant shoes with his own unique flair.

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."

Caesar Flickerman.

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping – in theaters November 20, 2026.pic.twitter.com/hggGysk4Nd

— The Hunger Games (@TheHungerGames) May 21, 2025

Kieran Culkin's recent performances have left an indelible mark on 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, and an Academy Award—have showcased his talent and versatility. Fans of his earlier work may also recall his roles in *Father of the Bride* (1991) and *Home Alone* (1990), where he starred alongside his brother, Macaulay Culkin. Culkin’s sharp wit and charisma make him an ideal choice for the role of Caesar Flickerman, Panem's dystopian TV host, in *Sunrise on the Reaping*.

Scheduled for release on November 20, 2026, *The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping* will adapt Suzanne Collins’ novel of the same name. Joining Culkin in this cinematic journey are Ralph Fiennes as President Coriolanus Snow, Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket, Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, and Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy, among others. As anticipation builds, fans can look forward to seeing how this talented ensemble brings the world of Panem back to life on the big screen.