Elle Fanning has joined the cast of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, taking on the role of Effie Trinket. The film is based on Suzanne Collins’ latest addition to the bestselling Hunger Games series.
Fanning will play a younger version of Effie, the Capitol escort for District 12, previously portrayed by Elizabeth Banks in the original films. In Sunrise on the Reaping, Effie serves as the stylist to Haymitch Abernathy ahead of the 50th Hunger Games, known as the Second Quarter Quell.
The upcoming prequel is set 24 years before the original Hunger Games events, beginning on the day of the reaping for the 50th Games.
The cast also includes Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy, Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird, Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner, Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, Maya Hawke as Wiress, Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee, and Lili Taylor as Mags. Ben Wang joins as Wyatt, with Ralph Fiennes as President Snow. Molly McCann will appear as Louella, while Iona Bell plays her Capitol-assigned double, Lou Lou.
Lionsgate praised Fanning’s casting, with Motion Picture Group co-president Erin Westerman saying, “Elle Fanning was the clear choice. She brings warmth, sparkle, and emotional depth. We’re honored she answered the call.”
Fanning was recently seen in the Oscar-nominated A Complete Unknown and will next appear in Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value, debuting at Cannes. She’s also set to star in the Apple TV+ series Margo’s Got Money Troubles and in Predator: Badlands, which hits theaters this fall.
Directed by Francis Lawrence, who has helmed every Hunger Games film since Catching Fire (2013), Sunrise on the Reaping is scheduled for release on November 20, 2026. The screenplay was adapted by Billy Ray. Producers include Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson for Color Force, with Cameron MacConomy as executive producer.
The Hunger Games franchise has earned more than $3.3 billion globally. The newest book, released on March 18, sold 1.5 million copies across the U.S., U.K., Ireland, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand in its first week. U.S. sales alone reached 1.2 million — double that of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and triple that of Mockingjay in their opening weeks.
Lionsgate’s Meredith Wieck and Scott O’Brien are overseeing the film. Robert Melnik negotiated the deal. Fanning is represented by UTA, TFC Management, and Hansen Jacobson.
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