Kieran Culkin Cast as Caesar Flickerman in Hunger Games Prequel

LOS ANGELES, CA — Kieran Culkin is set to portray Caesar Flickerman in the upcoming film “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping.” This news follows Culkin’s recent Oscar win for Best Supporting Actor for his role in “A Real Pain.” The film, directed by Francis Lawrence, will be released in theaters on November 20, 2026.

Caesar Flickerman, known as the flamboyant host of the Hunger Games, was originally played by Stanley Tucci in the previous film series. In this new installment, Culkin joins an ensemble cast that includes Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy, Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird, and Ralph Fiennes as President Snow.

<p"Kieran's scene-stealing presence and undeniable charm are perfect for Caesar Flickerman," Erin Westerman, co-president of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, said in a statement. “Stanley Tucci made Caesar unforgettable, and now Kieran will make the role entirely his own.”

The film is based on Suzanne Collins‘ bestselling novel and is set 24 years before the events of “The Hunger Games,” focusing on the morning of the reaping for the 50th Hunger Games. The story centers on Haymitch Abernathy, a resourceful boy from District 12, as he navigates the deadly competition.

The franchise has been incredibly successful, with the previous five films grossing over $3.3 billion worldwide. “Sunrise on the Reaping” sold 1.5 million copies in its first week, making it one of the best-selling books of the year.

In addition to acting, Culkin is currently performing on Broadway in a sold-out run of “Glengarry Glen Ross” alongside Bob Odenkirk and Bill Burr. He is represented by WME, Brookside Artist Management, and Relevant.