Kieran Culkin Set to Portray Caesar Flickerman in "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping"

Kieran Culkin, the acclaimed star of Succession, has officially joined the cast of Lionsgate's upcoming film, *The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping*, as a young Caesar Flickerman. This casting news, which comes after months of swirling rumors, was confirmed today by Lionsgate on X/Twitter. Fans and readers who have been eagerly speculating about who would take on the role of the iconic, flamboyant TV host of the Hunger Games can now rest easy knowing that Culkin will bring his unique flair to the character next year.

*Sunrise on the Reaping* is the latest prequel in the Hunger Games series, set to hit the screens following the events of 2023's *The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes* and well before the Jennifer Lawrence-starring *Hunger Games* movies of the 2010s. With Stanley Tucci having left a lasting impression as Caesar Flickerman in the original films, Culkin is set to step into some sizable shoes as he portrays a younger version of 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,” said Erin Westerman, Co-President of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, in a statement. “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 have solidified his status as a versatile and captivating actor. From his role as Roman Roy in *Succession* to his award-winning portrayal of Benji Kaplan in *A Real Pain*—which earned him a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe, and an Academy Award—Culkin has consistently showcased his talent. Fans may also remember him from his early days in films like *Father of the Bride* (1991) and *Home Alone* (1990), where he starred alongside his brother, Macaulay Culkin. His sharp wit and charismatic presence make him an ideal choice for the role of the dystopian TV host in *Sunrise on the Reaping*.

Set to premiere on November 20, 2026, *The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping* will bring Suzanne Collins’ novel of the same name to the big screen. Alongside Culkin, the film will feature a star-studded cast including Ralph Fiennes as President Coriolanus Snow, Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket, Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, and Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy, promising a thrilling continuation of the Hunger Games saga.