Well, Caesar was a Roman, wasn’t he? Academy Award-winner Kieran Culkin has become the latest huge name to join the increasingly impressive and, quite frankly, absurd cast of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, taking on the role of Caesar Flickerman. Flickerman is, of course, the pompous and purple-haired television host who serves as the voice of The Capitol during the Hunger Games. Culkin will be playing a younger version of the character, first portrayed by Stanley Tucci with enormous teeth in the original four movies. Jason Schwartzman also played another Flickerman, Caesar’s father — we assume — Lucretius “Lucky” Flickerman in The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.

The film, based on the latest bestseller by Suzanne Collins, takes place 24 years before Katniss Everdeen ever volunteered as tribute — before Caesar was gleefully commentating on her rise to rebellion. Sunrise on the Reaping focuses on a teenage Haymitch Abernathy, played by newcomer Joseph Zada, during the Second Quarter Quell — a particularly brutal iteration of the Games that features double the tributes: 48 children sent into the arena instead of 24. Joining Culkin and Zada in the cast are Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird, Haymitch’s girlfriend; Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner (yes, that Maysilee); Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee; Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee; Maya Hawke as Wiress; Lili Taylor as Mags; Ben Wang as Wyatt Callow; Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket; and Ralph Fiennes as a younger President Snow.

The film is being helmed by returning director Francis Lawrence, with a script by Billy Ray. Producers Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson are back under the Color Force banner, joined by executive producer Cameron MacConomy. Lionsgate’s Meredith Wieck and Scott O’Brien are overseeing the project, which is set to hit theaters on November 20, 2026.

What Else Has Kieran Culkin Been In?

Culkin’s casting adds a delicious wrinkle to the ever-evolving Capitol culture. Known for his sharp-tongued charm, sardonic commentary, and scene-stealing performance as Roman Roy in Succession, Culkin is a fascinating choice to channel a younger, maybe more unhinged, version of Caesar — a character known for his over-the-top interviews, coiffed hair, and unsettling joy during the Games. Ha ha ha ha ha. Culkin’s role marks his first major studio franchise gig following his Oscar-winning performance in A Real Pain, the indie dramedy he starred in opposite director Jesse Eisenberg. He’s also currently packing houses on Broadway in Glengarry Glen Ross alongside Bob Odenkirk and Bill Burr.

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is in theaters on November 26, 2026, from Lionsgate.

via Collider