Elle Fanning Joins ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ as Effie Trinket

The rumors have finally been confirmed. Elle Fanning is officially stepping into the world of Panem. She will play the iconic role of Effie Trinket in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, the latest film in Lionsgate’s blockbuster franchise based on the bestselling books by Suzanne Collins.

This new chapter takes fans back 24 years before Katniss Everdeen’s story began. Set during the 50th Hunger Games, known as the Second Quarter Quell, Sunrise on the Reaping dives into the life of a young Haymitch Abernathy, long before he became the grizzled mentor we met in the original series.

A New Effie Trinket for a New Era

Elle Fanning’s casting marks a shift for the role of Effie Trinket, previously portrayed by Elizabeth Banks. In this prequel, Effie is the stylist for a younger Haymitch Abernathy, who is preparing for one of the most brutal versions of the Games yet. Instead of 24 tributes, this Second Quarter Quell will see 48 tributes thrown into the arena.

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Fanning brings her own charm and dramatic depth to the role. Known for her performances in The Great and The Neon Demon, she is expected to give Effie a fresh perspective while staying true to the character’s blend of strict Capitol flair and underlying compassion.

The prequel film stars Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy and Whitney Peak as his girlfriend, Lenore Dove Baird. The cast also includes Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner, Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee, Maya Hawke as Wiress, Lili Taylor as Mags, Ben Wang as Wyatt Callow, and Ralph Fiennes as President Snow.

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The Story Behind ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’

Published in March, Suzanne Collins’ new book brings readers back to the brutal world of the Hunger Games with a fresh story told through the eyes of 16-year-old Haymitch. It begins on the morning of the reaping for the 50th Hunger Games. Haymitch, clever and brave, is selected to represent District 12 in an arena unlike any seen before.

This edition of the Games features a dark twist: twice the number of tributes. With 48 children forced into a battle for survival, the stakes are higher and the dangers more intense. The novel explores Haymitch’s wit, resilience, and the emotional weight of surviving such horror.

Francis Lawrence, who directed several previous Hunger Games films, is back to direct this one as well. The screenplay is written by Billy Ray. Producers Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson return under the Color Force banner, joined by Cameron MacConomy as executive producer. Lionsgate’s Meredith Wieck and Scott O’Brien are overseeing production, with Robert Melnik handling deal-making.

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The film is scheduled for release on November 20, 2026, and will build on the legacy of five Hunger Games films that have earned over $3.3 billion globally.

Elle Fanning’s Big Year

Elle Fanning is having a standout year. She recently starred alongside Timothée Chalamet in A Complete Unknown, Searchlight’s Oscar-nominated Bob Dylan biopic. Right now, she’s making waves at the Cannes Film Festival with Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value.

Fanning is also set to appear in Margo’s Got Money Troubles, a new Apple TV+ series created by David E. Kelley. Later this year, she’ll take on a role in Predator: Badlands, hitting theaters in the fall.

Represented by UTA, TFC Management, and Hansen, Jacobson, Teller, Fanning continues to take bold steps in her career. And now, by stepping into the richly layered world of Panem, she adds another powerful role to her growing list of achievements.

With The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, audiences will get to see a new side of the franchise through the eyes of a younger Haymitch and a reimagined Effie. And if Elle Fanning’s past roles are any indication, fans are in for something truly memorable.