Kieran Culkin Cast as Caesar Flickerman in 'Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping'

Kieran Culkin, renowned for his standout performances in shows like *Succession*, has officially been cast as the young Caesar Flickerman in Lionsgate's upcoming adaptation of *The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping*. The announcement, made on X/Twitter, put an end to months of speculation and excitement among fans about who would take on the iconic role of the colorful and eccentric TV host in the eagerly anticipated film set to premiere next year.

*Sunrise on the Reaping*, another prequel in the ever-expanding Hunger Games universe, is set after the events of 2023's *The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes* and well before the Jennifer Lawrence-led *Hunger Games movies* that captivated audiences throughout the 2010s. Stanley Tucci's portrayal of Caesar Flickerman in those films set a high bar, and Culkin now faces the challenge of bringing a fresh take to this beloved character.

“Kieran’s scene-stealing presence and undeniable charm are perfect for Caesar Flickerman, the sickeningly watchable host of Panem’s darkest spectacle,” stated Erin Westerman, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Co-President. “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

Culkin’s recent acclaimed roles, including Roman Roy in *Succession* and Benji Kaplan in last year's *A Real Pain*—which earned him a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe, and an Academy Award—have cemented his status as a versatile and compelling actor. His earlier work in films such as *Father of the Bride* (1991) and *Home Alone* (1990), alongside his brother Macaulay Culkin, showcases his range from childhood to adulthood. Culkin's sharp wit and charm make him an ideal fit for the role of Caesar Flickerman, promising a captivating performance in *Sunrise on the Reaping*.

Set to release on November 20, 2026, *The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping* will bring Suzanne Collins’ novel of the same name to the big screen. Joining Culkin are a stellar cast including Ralph Fiennes (Conclave, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows) as President Coriolanus Snow, Elle Fanning (Super 8) as Effie Trinket, Jesse Plemons (Civil War, Breaking Bad) as Plutarch Heavensbee, and Joseph Zada (Total Control) as Haymitch Abernathy, among others. This ensemble promises to deliver a compelling and thrilling addition to the Hunger Games saga.