The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes had introduced Hunger Games audiences to Lucky Flickerman (Jason Shcwartzman), the first host of the Hunger Games, but Sunrise on the Reaping will bring in the host from Katniss’ days, Caesar Flickerman.
Just in, they’ve announced that the role of Flickerman is going to be played by none other than Succession’s Kieran Culkin. Here’s the official announcement:
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
Originally, the part of Caesar was played by Stanley Tucci, and the host of the Hunger Games in Ballad was supposed to be Caesar’s ancestor. By the time of Katniss’ Everdeen’s games though, Caesar had already been hosting the games for 40 years, so it would make sense that he would appear in Sunrise of the Reaping.
Besides Elle Fanning getting cast as Effie, a lot of people also think that Kieran Culkin is an amazing choice for Flickerman. Admittedly, Tucci’s take has a more detached show host feel to the character, but maybe Culkin’s younger Flickerman could be more energetic and chaotic when it comes to his interviews with the tributes. No doubt he may also have some sharp commentary on how the games would play out.
If anything, it’s going to be interesting just how colorfully they’re going to dress him up as a young Caesar. By the time he’s Stanley Tucci, Caesar already looks like he’s done everything to appear as young as he possibly could.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is set to come out in theaters on Nov. 20, 2026.
