Enthusiasts of “The Hunger Games” were thrilled when it was announced that a well-loved character would be played by a new actor in the upcoming movie, “Sunrise at the Reaping.
The upcoming movie, derived from Suzanne Collins’s prequel novel published this year, takes place 24 years prior to the initial trilogy storyline and follows Joseph Zada’s character, Haymitch Abernathy, as he competes in the 50th version of the games.
In the run-up to its launch next year, a number of casting decisions have been made in recent weeks, and one more was announced today through the series’ official social media accounts. It has been confirmed that actress Elle Fanning, known for her roles in Maleficent and A Complete Unknown, will portray Effie Trinket in the upcoming project.
In the prequel series, Effie Trinket, whom Haymitch Abernathy had as a stylist previously, was portrayed by Elizabeth Banks in the four-film franchise. She served as the chaperone for Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) from District 12 during their participation in the Hunger Games.

One enthusiastic fan exclaimed, “This is the BEST ONE YET! I’ve been eagerly waiting for this!!🤩” Meanwhile, another fan expressed their approval by saying that the casting team seems to be “whipping up something fantastic” with Fanning joining the cast.
As a passionate gamer, I can’t help but express my excitement when I say, “Man, they nailed the assignment for this project! The casting is spot-on, leaving me in tears of joy ðŸ˜ðŸ˜.” Another fan like me couldn’t contain their enthusiasm, stating that if Dakota Fanning were cast as Proserpina, Effie’s sibling, they would undoubtedly “let out a bloodcurdling scream!
One supporter echoed a well-known phrase from the show when they jokingly stated that the “chances were on [their] side” after the announcement, while numerous others expressed their joy by saying they had “triumphed” or “secured victory” with the revealed cast.
Fanning and Zada are included in an impressive ensemble for the upcoming novel “Sunrise on the Reaping,” which serves as the second prequel to the series after “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes“. Notable actors like Jesse Plemons, Ralph Fiennes, and Maya Hawke will portray characters such as Plutarch Heavensbee, Coriolanus Snow, and Wiress in this production.
In addition to the main cast, McKenna Grace, Kelvin Harrison Jr, Whitney Peak, Lili Taylor, and Ben Wang have been brought on board. Furthermore, Molly McCann and Iona Bell have been cast in supporting roles. Francis Lawrence will once again take the director’s chair, with Billy Ray handling the screenplay writing duties.
Under the Radiant Sunrise, a fresh prequel to the Hunger Games series titled “The Reaping Dawn,” is set to premiere in movie theaters on November 20, 2026. If you’re eager to read the book before the film release, it’s already available for purchase.
Read more Hunger Games news on our dedicated homepage
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2025-05-20 20:49