Succession star Kieran Culkin has been cast as a young Caesar Flickerman in Lionsgate's upcoming film adaptation of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, dispelling months of speculation. The confirmation came via a post on X/Twitter from Lionsgate, putting to rest the swirling rumors about who would portray the iconic and flamboyant TV host in the eagerly awaited prequel.
Sunrise on the Reaping adds another chapter to the Hunger Games saga, set after the events of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (2023) and well before the Jennifer Lawrence-starring Hunger Games films of the 2010s. Culkin steps into the role previously brought to life by Stanley Tucci, who left an indelible mark as Caesar Flickerman in the original series that concluded in 2015.
Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Co-President Erin Westerman praised Culkin's suitability for the role, 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: Sunrise on the Reaping – in theaters November 20, 2026. pic.twitter.com/hggGysk4Nd
— The Hunger Games (@TheHungerGames) May 21, 2025
Culkin's recent performances, such as Roman Roy in Succession and Benji Kaplan in A Real Pain—which earned him a BAFTA, a Golden Globe, and an Academy Award—have showcased his ability to captivate audiences. His earlier roles in films like Father of the Bride (1991) and Home Alone (1990), where he starred alongside his brother Macaulay Culkin, further highlight his versatility. Culkin's sharp wit and dynamic presence make him an ideal choice for the dystopian TV host in Sunrise on the Reaping.
Set to hit theaters on November 20, 2026, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping will adapt Suzanne Collins' novel of the same name, featuring Culkin alongside 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.
