News

Conspiracy theories about Hollywood celebrities being shape-shifting lizard people might sound far-fetched, but when one looks at Ralph Fiennes’ career, the idea starts to make sense. He’s a shape-shifter in his truest form.

Ralph Fiennes has brought some of the most iconic villains to life on screen, yet he often seems to disappear into his characters so completely that audiences hardly recognize him. From the dark wizard Voldemort to the intense Chef Julian Slowik, his transformations are nothing short of remarkable. Now, with reports of him taking on the role of President Snow in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, fans are eager to see what new side he will bring to this chilling character.

Yet, many agree that his most chilling and unforgettable villain remains Amon Göth in Schindler’s List, a performance that continues to captivate and haunt audiences.

Ralph Fiennes is ready to send shivers...

Some faces don’t just act; they haunt. The minute we heard Ralph Fiennes was cast as President Coriolanus Snow in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, something shifted in our spine. A tingle, a whisper from the past: “There is no good and evil, there is only power, and those too weak to seek it.”

Sound familiar? Now that chilling ethos finds a new home, not in Hogwarts’ hallowed halls, but amid Panem’s blood-soaked soil. Fiennes, once the noseless nightmare of the Harry Potter saga, now returns to familiar territory: psychological terror, philosophical tyranny, and that calm, calculated cruelty that makes your skin crawl like it knows something you don’t.

And frankly? The Capitol has never sounded more venomously eloquent.

Ralph Fiennes joins The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping Ralph Fiennes || Image by Dick Thomas Johnson, licensed under Cc By 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

And it...

Today must be a day that ends in “Y” because Lionsgate is back with another high-profile casting for its upcoming Hunger Games prequel. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Ralph Fiennes will play President Coriolanus Snow in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. President Snow is a staple of the Hunger Games series, serving as one of the franchise’s primary antagonists in most cases. President Snow is an autocrat who ruled over Panem for over two decades.

After losing his parents at a young age, Coriolanus – or Coryo, as his cousin Tigis used to call him – climbed through the social ranks to restore his family’s name. He graduated from the University with exceptionally high marks and briefly served as a Peacekeeper before becoming a Gamemaker. His strategy involved instituting several new reforms and the establishment of Victor’s Village. He continued to vanquish his enemies until he ascended to the presidency of Panem.

Oscar nominee Ralph Fiennes has been cast as President Snow, the ruthless dictator of Panem, in Lionsgate’s The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, an adaptation of the bestselling book by Suzanne Collins.

Ralph Fiennes joins Joseph Zada (Haymitch Abernathy), Whitney Peak (Lenore Dove Baird), Mckenna Grace (Maysilee Donner), Jesse Plemons (Plutarch Heavensbee), Kelvin Harrison Jr. (Beetee Latier), Maya Hawke (Wiress), Lili Taylor (Mags Flanagan), and Ben Wang (Wyatt Callow) in the announced cast of the film.

Photo courtesy of Amazon MGM Studios

Producer Nina Jacobson said, “We wanted to honor Donald Sutherland by having one of this generation’s greatest actors play President Snow 24 years before Katniss Everdeen entered the arena. Working with Ralph has been on my bucket list since he traumatized me for life in Schindler’s List. It’s genuinely a thrill to welcome him to the Hunger Games.”

The film adaptation of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping...

Oscar nominee Ralph Fiennes has been cast as President Snow, the ruthless dictator of Panem, in Lionsgate’s “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping,” an adaptation of the bestselling book by Suzanne Collins, the studio announced on Friday.

Fiennes joins Joseph Zada, Whitney Peak, Mckenna Grace, Jesse Plemons, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Maya Hawke, Lili Taylor, and Ben Wang in the announced cast of the film.

Producer Nina Jacobson said, “We wanted to honor Donald Sutherland by having one of this generation’s greatest actors play President Snow 24 years before Katniss Everdeen entered the arena. Working with Ralph has been on my bucket list since he traumatized me for life in ‘Schindler’s List.’ It’s genuinely a thrill to welcome him to the Hunger Games.”

The fifth film in the franchise will be written by Billy Ray and directed by Francis Lawrence, who helmed all but the very first “Hunger Games.

Ralph Fiennes has been cast as President Coriolanus Snow in ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’.In the upcoming prequel, based on the books by Suzanne Collins, the 62-year-old actor will play the villainous character, previously portrayed by Donald Sutherland in the original series and Tom Blyth in the 2023 film ‘The Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes’. Producer Nina Jacobson said in a statement: “We wanted to honour Donald Sutherland by having one of this generation’s greatest actors play President Snow 24 years before Katniss Everdeen entered the arena. “Working with Ralph has been on my bucket list since he traumatised me for life in ‘Schindler’s List’. It’s genuinely a thrill to welcome him to the Hunger Games.”Recently, Maya Hawke recently joined the cast as Wiress, the former 'Hunger Games' champion who now serves as a mentor for those in District 12.News of Maya's casting came weeks after it was confirmed Mckenna Grace,...

Ralph Fiennes has been cast as President Coriolanus Snow in ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’.In the upcoming prequel, based on the books by Suzanne Collins, the 62-year-old actor will play the villainous character, previously portrayed by Donald Sutherland in the original series and Tom Blyth in the 2023 film ‘The Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes’. Producer Nina Jacobson said in a statement: “We wanted to honor Donald Sutherland by having one of this generation’s greatest actors play President Snow 24 years before Katniss Everdeen entered the arena. “Working with Ralph has been on my bucket list since he traumatized me for life in ‘Schindler’s List’. It’s genuinely a thrill to welcome him to the Hunger Games.”Recently, Maya Hawke recently joined the cast as Wiress, the former 'Hunger Games' champion who now serves as a mentor for those in District 12.News of Maya's casting came weeks after it was confirmed Mckenna Grace,...

Snow always lands on top. Ralph Fiennes has been cast as the villainous President Coriolanus Snow in “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping.” He joins previously announced cast members 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, Lili Taylor as Mags and Ben Wang as Wyatt.

The formidable leader of Panem has previously been portrayed by Donald Sutherland in the original four films, and in his younger years by Tom Blyth in 2023’s “A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.” Fiennes’ Snow will fall between the two, 40 years after the events of “Songbirds” and 24 years before Katniss Everdeen’s time in the arena.

Fiennes, a BAFTA and Tony winner, most recently starred in Edward Berger’s “Conclave,” which earned him Oscar and Golden Globe nominations as well as...

After landing his third Oscar nomination for Conclave, Ralph Fiennes has come aboard for the role of the villainous President Snow, ruthless dictator of Panem, in Lionsgate’s The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, based on the bestselling novel by Suzanne Collins.

Fiennes inherits the role from Donald Sutherland, who passed away in June 2024, aged 88.

“We wanted to honor Donald Sutherland by having one of this generation’s greatest actors play President Snow 24 years before Katniss Everdeen entered the arena,” said producer Nina Jacobson of Color Force. “Working with Ralph has been on my bucket list since he traumatized me for life in Schindler’s List. It’s genuinely a thrill to welcome him to the Hunger Games.”

Published March 18, the latest installment in Collins’ dystopian YA book series revisits the world of Panem 24 years before the events of The Hunger Games, starting on the morning of the reaping of the 50th Hunger Games,...

Lionsgate’s The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping has found its President Snow.

Ralph Fiennes will play the ruthless Panem dictator in director Francis Lawrence’s forthcoming film in the franchise, The Hollywood Reporter has learned exclusively. Joseph Zada, Whitney Peak, Mckenna Grace, Jesse Plemons, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Maya Hawke, Lili Taylor and Ben Wang have been previously announced as castmembers in the movie that adapts Suzanne Collins’ best-selling novel.

Fiennes follows in the footsteps of the late Donald Sutherland, who portrayed Coriolanus Snow in the series’ first four films that kicked off with The Hunger Games hitting theaters in 2012. Blyth starred as a younger version of the character opposite Rachel Zegler in 2023’s prequel feature The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping lands in theaters Nov. 20, 2026, with Lawrence directing from a script by Billy Ray that adapts Collins’ book.

Ben Wang has been added to the cast of ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’.The ‘Karate Kid: Legends’ star, 25, has signed on to play District 12 Tribute Wyatt Callow in the upcoming movie adaptation of author Suzanne Collins’ 2025 novel of the same name, Variety reports.Wang will be joining Joseph Zada, who will lead the picture as Haymitch Abernathy - previously portrayed by Woody Harrelson in the original ‘Hunger Games’ movies - with Whitney Peak set to portray his girlfriend, Lenore Dove Baird.In addition, Maya Hawke will play Wiress - the former ‘Hunger Games’ champion who now serves as a mentor for those in District 12 - while Mckenna Grace has landed the highly-sought after role of District 12 Tribute Maysilee Donner. Rounding out the cast are Jesse Plemons and Kelvin Harrison Jr., who are due to play Plutarch Heavensbee and Beetee, respectively.‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping...

“The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping” has found its Wyatt Callow in “Karate Kid: Legends” star Ben Wang, Lionsgate announced on Thursday.

He joins previously announced co-stars Mckenna Grace, Joseph Zada, Whitney Peak, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Jesse Plemons, Maya Hawke and Lili Taylor in the Haymitch-focused prequel film from author Suzanne Collins.

The fifth film in the franchise will be written by Billy Ray and directed by Francis Lawrence, who helmed all but the very first “Hunger Games.”

Meredith Wieck and Scott O’Brien are overseeing the project for Lionsgate. Robert Melnik negotiated the deal for the studio.

“Sunrise on the Reaping” is set for release on Nov. 20, 2026.

Wang will star for Lionsgate later this summer in the feature “The Long Walk,” based on the Stephen King novel of the same name, directed by Francis Lawrence. He is best-known for his starring role of Jin Wang in the Disney+ series “American Born Chinese.

Lionsgate’s return to Panem just got even more exciting. Ben Wang, the breakout star of American Born Chinese and the upcoming Karate Kid: Legends, has officially been cast as Wyatt Callow — the male District 12 tribute in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. The upcoming prequel will serve as the next film in Suzanne Collins’ blockbuster dystopian saga. Wang joins an already stacked cast that includes Joseph Zada as a young 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.

Set 24 years before the original Hunger Games trilogy, Sunrise on the Reaping opens on the day of the 50th Hunger Games — the notoriously bloody Second Quarter Quell. Fans of the franchise will remember that Haymitch’s brutal victory in that Quell became a defining chapter in his character’s tragic backstory.

Ben Wang has been cast as District 12 Tribute Wyatt Callow in “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping,” an adaptation of the bestselling book by Suzanne Collins. He joins previously announced cast members 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.

Wang is best known for his starring role of Jin Wang in the Disney+ series “American Born Chinese,” in which he starred opposite Oscar winners Michelle Yeoh and Ke Huy Quan. He will next be seen in the titular role for Sony Pictures’ “Karate Kid: Legends,” which is releasing in theaters worldwide May 30. Wang was cast in the role after an extensive worldwide search where over 10,000 submissions were received. This summer, he will star in Lionsgate’s feature “The Long Walk,” based...

The cast of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is quickly coming together, and Deadline reports that the latest addition to the prequel movie will be Lili Taylor. She will play Mags, the former Hunger Games champion who volunteered for the 75th Hunger Games seen in Catching Fire. In the new film, she will serve as a mentor to the District 12 tributes, which includes a young Haymitch Abernathy.

Sunrise on the Reaping will star Joseph Zada (Invisible Boys) as Haymitch, Whitney Peak (Hocus Pocus 2) as Lenore Dove Baird, Mckenna Grace (Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire) as Maysilee Donner, Jesse Plemons (Civil War) as Plutarch Heavensbee, Kelvin Harrison Jr. (Mufasa: The Lion King) as Beetee, and Maya Hawke (Stranger Things) as Wiress.

Lynn Cohen played Mags in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire and sadly passed away in 2020.

Related Maya Hawke to portray Wiress in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping

Francis Lawrence,...

The next Hunger Games movie has continued building out its ensemble. The official Hunger Games X account broke the news that Lili Taylor has been cast as Mags Flanagan, winner of the 11th Hunger Games, in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, which is coming to theaters on November 20, 2026. Taylor is a three-time Emmy nominee for her work in American Crime, Six Feet Under, and The X-Files, and she’s also known for starring as Carolyn Perron in The Conjuring. Just earlier today, it was announced that Maya Hawke, best known for her roles in Stranger Things and Inside Out 2, had also joined the cast as Wiress. Yesterday, it was Mufasa: The Lion King veteran Kelvin Harrison Jr. who joined the cast as Beetee, the winner of the 34th Hunger Games.

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping picks up 24 years before the saga of Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence...

Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games franchise is expanding with Sunrise on the Reaping. The prequel has excited fans since it hit bookstore shelves in March, and now there's another reason to get hyped for the movie version: Stranger Things actor Maya Hawke has been cast in a pivotal role.

Per Deadline, Hawke will play Wiress, a former Hunger Games champion turned District 12 mentor, in Sunrise on the Reaping. She is best known for her role as Robin Buckley in Stranger Things, which is set to return later in 2025 for its final season. Joining the Hunger Games universe makes Hawke a part of another major franchise, and her addition is a major gain for an already impressive film.

Hawke joins Joseph Zada, who will play a young Haymitch Abernathy. The older version of the character was portrayed by Woody Harrelson in the original film trilogy. Whitney Peak will co-star as Lenore Dove Baird,...

Lili Taylor has been cast as Mags in Lionsgate’s “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping,” an adaptation of the bestselling book by Suzanne Collins. She joins previously announced cast members 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 and Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee.

Mags, previously portrayed by Lynn Cohen in “Catching Fire,” is a former Hunger Games champion-turned-District 12 mentor.

Taylor is a three-time Emmy nominee who will next be seen in the second season of Marvel’s “Daredevil: Born Again” as well as Netflix’s “Fear Street: Prom Queen.” She can also be seen starring in the mystery drama “Outer Range” on Amazon. In the literary space, this spring, Taylor released her debut book “Turning to Birds,” a love letter to birding and the art of seeking peace in unexpected places.

The cast of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is overflowing with young talent. Previously, we learned Joseph Zada, Whitney Peak, Mckenna Grace, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Jesse Plemons will star in the highly anticipated prequel The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, and now we’re hearing that Maya Hawke is joining the cast.

According to a cast round-up making the scene online, Maya Hawke plays Wiress in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. Wiress is a former Hunger Games champion who has become a District 12 mentor. She was the victor of the 49th Hunger Games alongside her district colleague Beetee Latier. Wiress is an eccentric warrior and rebel, which we know is the type of character Maya Hawke can play to perfection. Previously, Amanda Plummer played Wiress in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.

Maya Hawke joins Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy, Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird,...

The upcoming Hunger Games prequel, Sunrise on the Reaping, continues to build its cast and has now added Stranger Things' Maya Hawke as an essential character. In 2025, author Suzanne Collins released the novel Sunrise on the Reaping with plans for Lionsgate to deliver a film adaptation in 2026. The film is the second prequel in the series, following 2023's The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. The new installment centers around Haymitch Abernathy, the Hunger Games victor who mentors Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark for the 74th Hunger Games.

Sunrise on the Reaping is set 24 years before the first Hunger Games novel and depicts the 50th Hunger Games in which Haymitch competes. Maya Hawke joins the cast as Wiress, who first appeared in Catching Fire, then played by Amanda Plummer. Hawke joins a growing roster that includes Joseph Zada as Haymitch, Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird, Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner,...

Gold Derby's top news stories for May 14, 2025.

Jeremy Allen White and Austin Butler to star in A24 crime thriller Enemies

This is a Heat — sorry, hot — project. Two-time Emmy winner Jeremy Allen White (The Bear) and Academy Award nominee Austin Butler (Elvis) have signed on to star in Enemies, an A24 crime thriller from writer and director Henry Dunham (The Standoff at Sparrow Creek). The film follows a "relentless detective" and an "infamous contract killer" in a "deadly game of cat and mouse" and will start shooting in Chicago this summer. Ari Aster and Lars Knudsen (Midsommar) are producing.

Denzel Washington, Robert Pattinson, and Daisy Edgar-Jones to star in Netflix thriller Here Comes the Flood

Academy Award winner Denzel Washington, Robert Pattinson, and Daisy Edgar-Jones have signed on to star in Netflix crime thriller Here Comes the Flood for director Fernando Meirelles (City of God) and screenwriter and producer Simon Kinberg...

“The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping” has found its Wiress in actress Maya Hawke, Lionsgate announced on Wednesday.

She joins previously announced co-stars Mckenna Grace, Joseph Zada, Whitney Peak, Kelvin Harrison Jr. and Jesse Plemons in the Haymitch-focused prequel film from author Suzanne Collins.

An elder Wiress was portrayed by Amanda Plummer in the “Catching Fire” movie adaptation.

The fifth film in the franchise will be written by Billy Ray and directed by Francis Lawrence, who helmed all but the very first “Hunger Games.”

Outside of “Stranger Things,” Hawke is also known for her roles in “Inside Out 2,” “Do Revenge,” “Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood,” “Asteroid City” and “Wildcat,” in addition to her career as a musician.

“Sunrise on the Reaping” is primed for theaters on Nov. 20, 2026.

The post ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ Casts Maya Hawke as Wiress appeared first on TheWrap.

Exclusive: Maya Hawke is the newest addition to the cast of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, Lionsgate’s adaptation of the bestselling book by Suzanne Collins. The Stranger Things breakout will take on the role of Wiress, the Hunger Games champion-turned-District 12 mentor.

Hawke joins an ensemble led by Joseph Zada and Whitney Peak, who respectively play Haymitch Abernathy and Lenore Dove Baird. Others set include Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner, Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, and Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee.

The latest installment in Collins’ bestselling dystopian YA franchise was published March 18. The story revisits the world of Panem 24 years before the events of The Hunger Games, starting on the morning of the reaping of the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell. The protagonist, 16-year-old Haymitch, is a clever and resourceful boy from District 12 who’s unexpectedly chosen for this edition of the games,...

Elizabeth Hurley is sharing some insight into her new relationship with Billy Ray Cyrus!

On Easter last month, the 59-year-old English model/actress and the 63-year-old country music singer shocked fans by revealing that they were dating.

While appearing at Breast Cancer Research Foundation’s Hot Pink Party on Tuesday night (May 13), Elizabeth gushed over Billy Ray.

Keep reading to find out more…“I think people found Billy and I being together a little surprising,” Elizabeth admitted to Page Six. “It’s not surprising to me because we’re actually quite similar and get on extremely well,” admitting that “there has been quite a reaction.”

Elizabeth went on to say that she and Billy Ray have a lot in common, adding, “We both like to laugh a lot, and we both love the country.”

“And we both love country music, both love movies,” she continued. “We’ve got a lot in common — and cowboy boots,...

Disney alum Kelvin Harrison Jr. is entering the Hunger Games! As the cast for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping grows, Harrison Jr., who voiced Scar for Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King, wants in on the latest adaptation of a Suzanne Collins bestseller. In addition to Kelvin Harrison Jr., Glenn Close is eyeing a role, but sources say her participation is uncertain. Contracts are tricky, and negotiations must align for Close to join the contest of champions from Panem.

Kelvin Harrison Jr. plays Beetee, champion of the 34th Hunger Games. Jeffrey Wright played Beetee in the original Hunger Games movies.

Kelvin Harrison Jr. joins Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy, with Whitney Peak playing Haymitch’s girlfriend, Lenore Dove Baird. Jesse Plemons plays Plutarch Heavensbee, the Head Gamemaster for the 75th Hunger Games, taking the place of Seneca Crane, played by Wes Bentley in the Hunger Games film saga.

Kelvin Harrison Jr. has found his next big project in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, Deadline has confirmed. He’ll take on the role of Beetee, champion of the 34th Hunger Games and father of Ampert Latier, Tribute in the 50th Hunger Games.

Harrison joins an ensemble led by Joseph Zada and Whitney Peak, who respectively play Haymitch Abernathy and Lenore Dove Baird . Others set include Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner and Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee.

Based on the bestselling dystopian YA novel by Suzanne Collins, published March 18, the Lionsgate pic revisits the world of Panem 24 years before the events of The Hunger Games, starting on the morning of the reaping of the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell. The story centers on 16-year-old Haymitch, a clever and resourceful boy from District 12, who’s unexpectedly chosen for this edition of the games, which...

“The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping” has found its Beetee in actor Kelvin Harrison Jr., Lionsgate announced late Monday night.

He joins previously announced co-stars Mckenna Grace, Joseph Zada, Whitney Peak and Jesse Plemons in the Haymitch-focused prequel film from author Suzanne Collins.

An elder Beetee was portrayed by Jeffrey Wright in the “Catching Fire,” “Mockingjay – Part 1” and “Mockingjay – Part 2” movies.

Harrison Jr. is best known for his roles in “It Comes at Night,” “The High Note,” “Cyrano,” “Chevalier” and “Mufasa: The Lion King.”

The fifth film in the franchise will be written by Billy Ray and directed by Francis Lawrence, who helmed all but the very first “Hunger Games.”

“Sunrise on the Reaping” is primed for theaters on Nov. 20, 2026.

The post ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ Casts Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee appeared first on TheWrap.

Kelvin Harrison Jr. is the latest big name to volunteer as tribute. The Mufasa: The Lion King and Elvis star has officially joined Lionsgate’s The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping as Beetee, the tech-savvy victor of the 34th Hunger Games — a role previously played by Jeffrey Wright in the original franchise. Harrison joins an impressive ensemble cast that includes Joseph Zada as a young Haymitch Abernathy and Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird, Haymitch’s girlfriend. Mckenna Grace and Jesse Plemons are also on board for the high-profile prequel, with franchise veteran Francis Lawrence once again stepping behind the camera to direct.

The book by Suzanne Collins, which takes place 24 years before Katniss Everdeen’s rebellion, sold 1.5 million copies in its first week — triple the opening week numbers of Mockingjay and well ahead of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. In this timeline, Haymitch is still a District 12 tribute,...

Kelvin Harrison Jr. has been added to the cast of ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping.’

Harrison Jr. takes on the role of Beetee, joining the previously announced cast of Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy, Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird, McKenna Grace as Maysilee Donner and Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee.

In the original films, Beetee Latier was portrayed by Jeffrey Wright. Beginning with ‘Catching Fire,’ Beetee is the champion of the 34th Hunger Games and father of Ampert Latier, a Tribute in the 50th Hunger Games.

Also in news – Sebastian Stan & Leo Woodall set for Justin Kurzel’s ‘Burning Rainbow Farm’

Suzanne Collins’s book opens with the young Plutarch Heavensbee in District 12, capturing the reaping of the Tributes there. Published on March 18, the novel revisits the world of Panem 24 years before the events of ‘The Hunger Games,’ starting on the morning of the reaping of the 50th Hunger Games,...

Kelvin Harrison Jr., who voiced Taka, aka Scar, in Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King, has joined the ever-growing cast of Lionsgate’s latest installment of the Hunger Games franchise, the adaptation of the latest Suzanne Collins best-seller, Sunrise of the Reaping.

Glenn Close is also said to be circling a role in the feature, although sources say it’s unclear whether a deal can be struck on that front.

Reaping stars Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy, with Whitney Peak playing Haymitch’s girlfriend, Lenore Dove Baird. The prequel story is focused on fan-favorite Haymitch, who in the original Hunger Games book trilogy (and movie quadrology) acted as a mentor to heroine Katniss Everdeen. (Woody Harrelson played Haymitch in the original Hunger Games films.)

Mckenna Grace and Jesse Plemons are also on the roll call of the production that has Francis Lawrence in the director’s chair.

Harrison has been cast as Beetee,...

Kelvin Harrison Jr. has been cast as Beetee in Lionsgate’s “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping,” an adaptation of the bestselling book by Suzanne Collins. He joins previously announced cast members Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy, Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird, Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner and Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee.

Harrison Jr. recently voiced the role of Taka in “Mufasa: The Lion King” and will star as Jean-Michel Basquiat in “Samo Lives,” for which he will also serve as executive producer.

Beetee Latier, portrayed by Jeffrey Wright in the original “Hunger Games” films beginning with “Catching Fire,” is the champion of the 34th Hunger Games and father of Ampert Latier, Tribute in the 50th Hunger Games.

The “Sunrise on the Reaping” film will be released on Nov. 20, 2026. Francis Lawrence will direct from a screenplay adaptation by Billy Ray. Color Force’s Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson will produce.

Billy Ray Cyrus seems to be reconnecting with his whole family.

The “Achy Breaky Heart” singer shared a thoughtful post on Mother’s Day Sunday (May 11), sharing his thoughts on his mother, daughter Miley Cyrus and ex Tish Cyrus.

“Happy Mother’s Day to all #StrongMothers out there. Here’s a couple that made our family who and what we are in this photo for Sunday Callin,” he began.

“My Mom Ruthie… who loved Willie and her mama Mary who was born with the musical gift and passed it down to all of us in the family who play music by ear… Thank God she did … cause I can’t read a note. Speakin of… I too rarely comment on rumors… but on this given day… I give you my truth,” he wrote.

Keep reading to find out more…

“I’m so proud of Miley and her guts and her courage…...

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Miley Cyrus would like a moment of our time.

On Saturday, the artist released a rare statement about her family… amid chatter that she has been engaged in a long-time feud with both her parents, Tish and Billy Ray.

She felt a need to do so after the former stopped following her daughter on Instagram.

Miley Cyrus and Tish Cyrus attend SNL50: The Homecoming Concert at Radio City Music Hall on February 14, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images)

“I rarely comment on rumors, but my mama and I are too tight for anything to ever come between us,” Miley said about this parent on her Instagram Stories on May 10.

“She’s my best friend. Like a lot of moms, she doesn’t know how to work her phone and somehow unfollowed me-simple, coincidental, and uninteresting.”

After fans pointed out on social media...

Miley Cyrus is addressing all of the rumors about feuding with her family.

Earlier this week, it was rumored that the 32-year-old “Flowers” singer had a falling out with mom Tish Cryus after Tish, 57, unfollowed her on Instagram. Miley further fueled the fuel rumors by hanging out with her dad Billy Ray Cyrus years after they stopped speaking.

On Saturday morning (May 10), Miley responded to the rumors she was feuding with her mom while also talking about reconciling with her dad.

Keep reading to find out more…“I rarely comment on rumors, but my mama and I are too tight for anything to ever come between us,” Miley wrote on her Instagram Story. “She’s my best friend. Like a lot of moms, she doesn’t know how to work her phone and somehow unfollowed me – simple, coincidental, and uninteresting.”

“My dad and I have had our challenges over the years,...

Miley Cyrus reunites with Billy Ray Cyrus for a very special occasion!

The “Achy Breaky Heart” singer took to his Instagram on Friday (May 9) to give a shoutout to his son Braison on his 31st birthday. In the photo, the family posed together while Miley wrapped her arms around her boyfriend, Maxx Morando.

The gathering comes shortly after Tish Cyrus, who was not in the photo, responded to speculation that she unfollowed Miley on Instagram.

Keep reading to find out more…

If you didn’t know, there has been a lot of supposed drama in the Cyrus family recently. Earlier this year, Trace Cyrus shared an open letter begging his dad to seek help after his concerning performance at President Donald Trump‘s inauguration ball. Billy Ray has since addressed the the letter.

Meanwhile, last month, Billy Ray announced his relationship with an expected movie star.

View this post on...

Miley Cyrus reunites with Billy Ray Cyrus for a very special occasion!

The “Achy Breaky Heart” singer took to his Instagram on Friday (May 9) to give a shoutout to his son Braison on his 31st birthday. In the photo, the family posed together while Miley wrapped her arms around her boyfriend, Maxx Morando.

The gathering comes shortly after Tish Cyrus, who was not in the photo, responded to speculation that she unfollowed Miley on Instagram.

Keep reading to find out more…

If you didn’t know, there has been a lot of supposed drama in the Cyrus family recently. Earlier this year, Trace Cyrus shared an open letter begging his dad to seek help after his concerning performance at President Donald Trump‘s inauguration ball. Billy Ray has since addressed the the letter.

Meanwhile, last month, Billy Ray announced his relationship with an expected movie star.

View this post on...

David Furnish is sharing his thoughts on longtime close friend Elizabeth Hurley‘s new relationship with Billy Ray Cyrus.

On Easter last month, the 59-year-old English actress and model shocked fans by revealing that she’s dating the 63-year-old “Achy Breaky Heart” singer.

In a new interview, David – who has been friends with Elizabeth for decades – weighed on her romance with Billy Ray.

Keep reading to find out more…“She’s very happy and I wish her all the best,” David told Hello! Magazine. “Obviously, that little side of me is a little protective…because your best girlfriends, when you really love them…you just want to make sure they’re Ok.”

David, who is married to Elton John, went on to say that Elizabeth “really smart and really capable” and noted that she’s “a really good judge of character.”

“I’m excited for her and I’m excited to see where it goes,...

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Last summer, we confirmed that Billy Ray Cyrus was ending his marriage after just seven months.

For far longer than this, however, observers have been wondering:

Is his relationship with famous daughter Miley Cyrus over with as well? Just where do these singers stand with each other?

Los Angeles, California – February 10: Billy Ray Cyrus, Tish Cyrus and Miley Cyrus attend the 61st Annual Grammy Awards at Staples Center on February 10, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images)

“I inherited narcissism from my father,” Cyrus said during interview with David Letterman a recent episode of his Netflix series, My Next Guest Needs No Introduction.

This seems like a pointed remark, but Cyrus went pretty deep on the relationship with her dad.

“He has a foot on the ground to the real and to nature and he always did, even when he was super famous,...

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is shaping up to have a massive budget, and it could end up being almost double its predecessor, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. The project goes on sale at next month's Cannes market.

Per Deadline, market sources hint that Sunrise on the Reaping will have a budget north of $150 million, with some sources saying as much as $170-200 million gross. For comparison, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes' film adaptation had an estimated $100 million budget. Still, these Sunrise on the Reaping totals aren't as massive as they may appear; Mockingjay - Part 2 had a similar budget when it was released back in 2015, coming in at $160 million.

The Hunger Games remains a very successful media franchise, which will likely end up making the high budget warranted. To date, the film series has grossed $3.3 billion worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing film franchises of all time.

Exclusive: Lionsgate’s franchise returner The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is set to be the biggest-budget project on sale at next month’s Cannes market.

Market sources tell us the film’s budget is being pegged north of $150M. Two sources tell us between $170-200M gross. While market budgets can be inflated to get a better sale price, this number isn’t shocking given the penultimate film in the popular franchise, made almost a decade ago, had a reported budget of $160M. But it would still be the biggest budget movie to hit a film market in some time, a market that has become accustomed to smaller genre fare and where tentpole franchises aren’t as common as they used to be. It’s hard to recall the last movie with a budget in this range hitting the indie market. The Irishman did, but then was flipped to Netflix.

It’s been 20 years since Ang Lee’s Brokeback Mountain moseyed into theaters. The highly-celebrated film, which depicts the unexpected relationship between two young cowboys, won three Oscars at the 2006 Academy Awards and remains a classic take on Western romance in cinema. To honor the film’s legacy, Focus Features is re-releasing the emotionally charged film in theaters for special screenings starting on June 22 and 25.

Brokeback Mountain premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2005, earning acclaim from audiences before its wide release. Many consider it a barrier-shattering release, as it spoke to various viewers and critics. The film revolves around Ennis Del Mar (Heath Ledger) and Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal), two young cowboys working at the picturesque sheep herding locale, Brokeback Mountain, who discover a deep and abiding love for one another that lasts a lifetime. Lee’s film became a critical and commercial success upon release, with a $178M global take.

If you are excited for a new instalment in “The Hunger Games” world, know you are not alone. Sam Claflin, who played Finnick Odair in the original film series, says he is “a huge lover and fan of the world [author] Suzanne Collins created” and “can’t help but feel attached to it.”

Speaking with Variety at Canneseries, where he is promoting Bille August’s epic series “The Count of Monte Cristo,” the actor says he loved 2023’s “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.” “I thought it was a fresh take with a fresh generation. They did a wonderful job. I understand the ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’ book is even better.”

“The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping” is currently in the works and is predicted to arrive in cinemas in November 2026. Jesse Plemmons and Mckenna Grace recently joined leads Joseph Zada and Whitney Peak, who will play...

The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes star Rachel Zegler has shared her reaction to the recent casting announcements for Lionsgate’s newest Hunger Games prequel, Sunrise on the Reaping. In the 2023 movie, Zegler portrayed the leading role of Lucy Gray Baird, who is the only known female tribute from District 12 who won the Hunger Games prior to Katniss Everdeen’s monumental win.

Last week, it was officially confirmed that Gossip Girl star Whitney Peak has been chosen to play Lenore Dove Baird in the upcoming Sunrise on the Reaping movie, while Oscar nominee Jesse Plemons has signed on to portray a young Plutarch Heavensbee. On social media, Zegler quickly showed her support to Peak and Plemons. Through an Instagram story, Zegler tagged Peak and wrote “I know she’s gonna do the Baird name proud,” acknowledging her character Lucy’s connection to Lenore. In addition, the Snow White star also commented on Plemons’ involvement,...

When you purchase through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

If you are a horror fan, then there is a big chance that you might have heard about the horror streaming service Shudder, and if you have its subscription, you might be wondering what’s in store for you in May 2025. Don’t worry. There is a host of new and old horror movies coming to the service in the upcoming month, and we have listed the 11 best movies coming to Shudder in May 2025.

Overlord (May 1)

Overlord is an alternate history action horror film directed by Julius Avery from a screenplay co-written by Billy Ray and Mark L. Smith. The 2018 film is set in an alternate 1940s, towards the end of World War II, and it revolves around a group of American paratroopers on a mission to destroy a German radio tower. They soon find themselves in a...

Following the success of The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, we'll be heading back to Panem relatively soon as Lionsgate is about to kickstar production on another prequel The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping.

With filming expected to begin this summer, the studio has made some major casting announcements, with Joseph Zada (Invisible Boys; Total Control; The Speedway Murders) landing the lead role of a young Haymitch Abernathy.

He's joined by Whitney Peak (Gossip Girl; Hocus Pocus 2; Chilling Adventures of Sabrina) as Haymitch’s girlfriend Lenore Dove Baird, Mckenna Grace (Captain Marvel; Ghostbusters: Afterlife; The Handmaid’s Tale) as Maysilee Donner, and Academy Award-nominee Jesse Plemons (The Power of the Dog; Fargo; Game Night) as a young Plutarch Heavensbee.

After helming four of the previous four films, Francis Lawrence is directing once again, with a screenplay from Academy Award-nominee Billy Ray (Richard Jewell; Terminator: Dark Fate...

One day after announcing Mckenna Grace’s role as Maysilee Donner in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, Deadline can reveal that Jesse Plemons will play Plutarch Heavensbee for the next chapter of Lionsgate‘s Hunger Games saga. Plemons joins McKenna Grace, Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy, and Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird.

Francis Lawrence directs The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping from a screenplay by Billy Ray, based on the bestselling novel by Suzanne Collins. The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is the fifth novel in the Hunger Games saga.

The late and great Phillip Seymour Hoffman played Plutarch Heavensbee in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay—Part 1 and Part 2. According to the Hunger Games Wiki, Plutarch Heavensbee is the Head Gamemaster for the 75th Hunger Games, taking the place of Seneca Crane, played by Wes Bently in the Hunger Games film saga. Heavensbee is a secret...

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, an upcoming prequel film revolving around Haymitch Abernathy, continues to round out its star-studded cast with one of the most exciting additions yet. Plutarch Heavensbee, previously portrayed by the late great Philip Seymour Hoffman, will be appearing in the new adaptation based on the best-selling book from franchise author Suzanne Collins. Longtime franchise director Francis Lawrence is set to helm Sunrise on the Reaping based on a screenplay written by Billy Ray.

According to Deadline, Jesse Plemons has joined Sunrise on the Reaping as Plutarch Heavensbee, the future leader of the rebellion. After being rumored to play the villain in Shawn Levy's Star Wars movie, Plemons finds his next big franchise role in the upcoming Hunger Games prequel. The acclaimed actor will have big shoes to fill after Hoffman made the role his own, but Plemons was certainly the longtime favorite to...

Oscar nominee Jesse Plemons has been cast as Plutarch Heavensbee in Lionsgate’s “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping,” the studio announced on Friday.

A future Head Gamemaker and rebellion leader, Plutarch was previously played by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman; his performances in “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay” Parts 1 and 2 were his final film roles. “Sunrise on the Reaping” opens with a young Plutarch in District 12, capturing the reaping of the Tributes there.

Plemons joins a cast that includes Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy, previously played by Woody Harrelson; Mckenna Grace as fellow District 12 tribute, Maysilee Donner; and Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird, Haymitch’s girlfriend.

Francis Lawrence will direct from a screenplay adaptation by Billy Ray. Color Force’s Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson will produce. Cameron MacConomy will executive produce. The five existing films in the franchise have taken in over $3.3 billion at the box office.

The next Hunger Games movie is further expanding its ensemble. Deadline reports that Oscar nominee Jesse Plemons is the latest to join The Hunger Games: The Sunrise On The Reaping in the role of Plutarch Heavensbee, who was first played by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman. This comes not long after it was announced that McKenna Grace had been tapped for the role of Maysilee Donner, the original owner of the Mockingjay pin. Lionsgate also kicked off the week with the news that Joseph Zada would star as a young Haymitch Abernathy in the film, a role which belonged to Woody Harrelson in the Jennifer Lawrence-led movies. Whitney Peak, best known for her role in Molly’s Game and Home Before Dark, will also star in the film as Lenore Dove Baird. Sunrise on the Reaping has been set for release on November 20, 2026.

Jesse Plemons earned an Oscar nomination for...

Updated April 25: Oscar-nominated actor Jesse Plemons will be playing the younger version of Philip Seymour Hoffman’s Plutarch Heavensbee. Late star Hoffman first brought the Head Gamemaker and rebellion leader character to the screen in “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1,” with “Part 2” being his final film role. Plemons’ take on Plutarch in the prequel film will begin in District 12 with the reaping of the Tributes.

“Jesse is one of the most talented actors of his generation, with a proven record of picking his roles selectively,” Erin Westerman, co-president, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, said in a press statement to IndieWire. “We are honored that he has chosen to bring his own take to one of the most fascinating figures in Panem, and feel that his previous collaboration with Philip Seymour Hoffman makes it all the more special. His Plutarch will be both a tribute to the character fans have...