TBH , I can not wait to see Roman Roy get into those fabulous violet wigs like Stanley Tucci !
Tributes! There is a new advancement in the casting for the upcoming prequel,Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reapingcasting —Kieran Culkinhas been cast as Caesar Flickerman!
This prequel takes viewers back 24 years before the events of the original Hunger Game series, and centres around the 50th Hunger Games — the Second Quarter Quell — where the rules were more cruel and brutal.
The casting director really nab it with this one .
Flickerman was previously played by the iconic Stanley Tucci. To match that level of sass, wit and energy, casting Culkin was a brilliant choice!
Kieran Culkin is having hismomentin Hollywood — winning an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role inA Real Pain, and playing the unfiltered middle child, Roman Roy in HBO’sSuccession, which has a cult following. All in all, he is doing very well.
We are waiting to see his own twist on this legendary character in one of the greatest franchises ever .
Culkin has been cast alongside a star-studded ensemble cast.
This is work to be a mouthful : Elle Fanningas Effie Trinket , Joseph Zada as young Haymitch Abernathy , Ralph Fiennesas young President Snow , Jesse Plemmons as Plutarch Heavensbee , Maya Hawkeas Wiress , Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee Latier , Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner , Lili Taylor as Mags Flanagan , Molly McCann as Louella McCoy , and Iona Bell as Lou Lou .
Behind the cameras, inNovember 2024, Francis Lawrence, the Hunger Games franchise director signed a first-look producing deal with Lionsgate through his company, about:blank.
Francis Lawrence has directed four of the Hunger Game film : Catching Fire , Mockingjay 1 and 2 , and The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes . Those films were rank firecracker , so I ca n’t wait to see what this film hold for us .
Speaking about the decision to cast Culkin, the co-president of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, Erin Westermansaid:“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.”
what is more , Producer Nina Jacobson clarified the think process behind this casting . She stated,“Kieran ’s magnetism , card and unpredictability make him a perfect burst for Caesar Flickerman . A legion like Caesar transform viciousness into entertainment , and an worker as layered as Kieran makes sure we do n’t expect off . "
Coming back to the OG Caesar — Stanley Tucci’s take on the character was to make him flamboyant, flashy, and uber charming!
In an consultation withThe Hollywood Reporter , he address of his participation with the character , saying,“I’d like to stress teeth . I ’d like to try some nose . I need him to have a tan . We have to really make it look like he has plastic surgery . “Needless to say , he delivered .
Culkin has established himself as an actor with an unpredictable mindset—a blend of sarcastic and dark humour, charming wit, and bursts of vulnerability that consistently draw the viewer’s attention. It’s this very approach to his craft that will make his portrayal of Caesar eccentric and electric.
His co-star and director of the filmA Real Pain, Jesse Eisenberg revealed on theGraham Norton Show, that he had cast Kieran for the part, not having watched ANY of his past work, but simply because of hisessence.
Also : whenever Jesse Eisenberg gets a chance to gasconade about Kieran ’s act talent , he chimes in with : " We grow the greatest actor to do the part ( Benji ) " .
Culkin’s naturally chaotic demeanor in interviews and award shows is more than well-documented. Like this wholesome interaction between him and Colman Domingo onActors on Actorswhich had fans envious of the contagious energy he possesses.
I would say his ‘controlled chaotic’ mannerisms will challenge the suave and entertaining version of Tucci when playing this character. But since it is the younger version of Flickerman in one of the most brutal hunger games,chaoticis fitting for the mood of Panem.
Culkin has talked about his ‘free-associative acting style’ in the past. He said in an interview withVulture, “It’s written, and I understand the character, and then some shit comes out sometimes; that’s it. And I don’t force it.“And it is this very energy that will bring a whimsical energy to this role… and I’m seated for it.
Naturally, fans are all over this casting and can’t get enough of it.
I will see you in the theatres on November 20th , 2026 .
