Kieran Culkin Set to Portray Caesar Flickerman in Hunger Games Prequel

Kieran Culkin, renowned for his captivating performance as Roman Roy in the hit series Succession, has officially been cast as a young Caesar Flickerman in Lionsgate’s upcoming film, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. This exciting announcement, confirmed by Lionsgate via X/Twitter, puts to rest months of swirling rumors and speculation about who would portray the iconic TV host in the next installment of the Hunger Games series.

Sunrise on the Reaping is set to be another thrilling prequel, taking place after the events of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (2023) and well before the original Hunger Games movies that featured Jennifer Lawrence. The role of Caesar Flickerman was previously played by Stanley Tucci in the earlier films, setting a high bar for Culkin, who will now bring a fresh perspective to the character.

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 successes in television and film, including his BAFTA, Golden Globe, and Academy Award-winning performance in A Real Pain, showcase his versatility and talent. His earlier roles in films like Father of the Bride and Home Alone, where he starred alongside his brother Macaulay Culkin, have also contributed to his storied career. His quick wit and charm make him an ideal fit for the role of the 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 and feature 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, among others.

With Culkin's casting, anticipation for this latest addition to the Hunger Games franchise is at an all-time high, promising a fresh and exciting take on the beloved series.