Kieran Culkin, known for his standout performance in Succession, has been cast as a young Caesar Flickerman in Lionsgate's upcoming film, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. The casting news, which follows months of speculation, was officially announced by Lionsgate on X/Twitter. Fans and followers of the franchise have been eagerly awaiting confirmation on who would step into the iconic role of the vibrant and eccentric TV host, and now they can rejoice as the rumors have been put to rest.
This new adaptation, Sunrise on the Reaping, is set to be another thrilling prequel in the Hunger Games series. Positioned chronologically after 2023's The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and before the well-known events depicted in the Jennifer Lawrence-led Hunger Games movies from the 2010s, the film promises to delve deeper into the dystopian world of Panem. Culkin will take on the challenging task of portraying a younger version of Caesar Flickerman, a role that was masterfully played by Stanley Tucci in the earlier films.
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 (@TheHungerGames) May 21, 2025
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping – in theaters November 20, 2026. pic.twitter.com/hggGysk4Nd
Culkin's recent achievements in the entertainment industry have cemented his reputation as a versatile and captivating actor. 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 ability to bring depth and humor to his characters. Fans might also recall his earlier roles in films like Father of the Bride and Home Alone, where he shared the screen with his brother, Macaulay Culkin. His quick wit and charm make him an ideal choice for the role of Caesar Flickerman in this dystopian setting.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is scheduled to hit theaters on November 20, 2026. As the film adapts Suzanne Collins’ novel of the same name, audiences can look forward to seeing Culkin alongside a talented ensemble cast, including Ralph Fiennes as President Coriolanus Snow, Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket, Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, and Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy.
