Kieran Culkin, best known for his standout role in *Succession*, has officially joined the cast of Lionsgate’s *The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping* as a young Caesar Flickerman. This casting comes after months of speculation and fan theories, finally confirming Culkin in one of the film's most iconic roles. The announcement was made public via Lionsgate’s official X/Twitter account, generating immediate buzz among fans of Suzanne Collins’ dystopian franchise.

*Sunrise on the Reaping* serves as a follow-up to 2023’s *The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes* and is set decades before the events of the original *Hunger Games* films starring Jennifer Lawrence. This upcoming installment continues to expand the prequel timeline, offering deeper insight into Panem’s evolution and its infamous televised battle royale. Culkin steps into the shoes once worn by Stanley Tucci, who famously portrayed the flamboyant and unnervingly cheerful television host in the earlier movie series.

“Kieran’s scene-stealing presence and undeniable charm are perfect for Caesar Flickerman, the sickeningly watchable host of Panem’s darkest spectacle,” said Erin Westerman, Co-President of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group. “Stanley Tucci made Caesar unforgettable—and now Kieran will make the role entirely his own.”

Culkin brings both star power and acting depth to the role, having recently won critical acclaim for his performance in *A Real Pain*, which earned him a BAFTA, Golden Globe, and Academy Award. He’s also recognized for his breakout portrayal of Roman Roy in *Succession* and earlier work as a child actor in classics like *Home Alone* and *Father of the Bride*. His sharp wit and charismatic screen presence position him well to reinterpret Caesar Flickerman for a new cinematic era.

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping – Cast Highlights

• Kieran Culkin – Young Caesar Flickerman
• Ralph Fiennes – President Coriolanus Snow
• Elle Fanning – Effie Trinket
• Jesse Plemons – Plutarch Heavensbee
• Joseph Zada – Haymitch Abernathy

Fans can look forward to seeing how this next chapter unfolds when *The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping* hits theaters on **November 20, 2026**. Based on Suzanne Collins’ novel of the same name, the film promises to deliver another gripping and visually rich addition to the beloved franchise.