Bruce Glikas/WireImage; Lionsgate/Kobal/Shutterstock Kieran Culkin will join the star-studded cast ofSunrise on the Reapingas Caesar Flickerman, host of the Hunger Games Stanley Tucci played the role in the original quartet of films The film will be released on Nov. 20, 2026 Kieran Culkinhas secured his next role, which happens to be part of a beloved franchise. TheOscar winnerwill jointhe star-studded castofSunrise on the Reaping, which will be directed byFrancis Lawrence. It is the secondHunger Gamesprequel, and is set after 2023'sThe Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. PEOPLE can confirm that Culkin has been cast in the sixth overall installment of theHunger Gamesfranchise as Caesar Flickerman, host of the Hunger Games.Stanley Tucciplayed the role in the original quartet of films starring Jennifer Lawrence. Color Force/Lionsgate/Kobal/Shutterstock The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now! According to Lionsgate Motion Picture Group co-president Erin Westerman, Kieran was a "perfect" fit for the role. "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," said Westerman. Producer Nina Jacobson added in her own statement that what makes Culkin a "perfect fit" for Caesar Flickerman is his "magnetism, wit, and unpredictability." Amy Sussman/Getty "A host like Caesar transforms brutality into entertainment, and an actor as layered as Kieran makes sure we don't look away," her statement continued. The prequel is based onSuzanne Collins' 2025 dystopianbook of the same name. Set24 years before 2008'sThe Hunger Games,the upcoming film will follow a young Haymitch Abernathy (originally played byWoody Harrelson) as he competes in the 50th Hunger Games, otherwise known as the Second Quarter Quell. In April, Lionsgate announced thatJoseph Zada would star as Haymitch Abernathyin the new adaptation, whileWhitney Peakwould portray his girlfriend, Lenore Dove Baird. Otherrecently announced cast membersincludeMcKenna Grace, who will play Maysilee Donner, andJesse Plemons, who will portray Plutarch Heavensbee.Ralph Fienneswill playPresident Snow,andElle Fanninghas been cast as Effie Trinket. Additional members of the cast areKelvin Harrison Jr., who will play Beetee, andMaya Hawke, who is set to take on the role of Wiress. Lili Taylor will play Mags and Ben Wang has been cast as Wyatt Callow, perVariety. Scholastic Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reapingwill be in theaters on Nov. 20, 2026. Culkin's Oscar-winning performance inA Real Painis now available to stream on Hulu. Read the original article onPeople
