Elle Fanning Cast as Effie Trinket in "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping"
Los Angeles, CA – May 20, 2025 – Emmy-nominated actress Elle Fanning has been officially cast as Effie Trinket in Lionsgate’s highly anticipated film The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, scheduled for release on November 20, 2026. This film is a prequel to the original Hunger Games series, set 24 years before the events of the first movie, and adapts Suzanne Collins’ latest novel centered on the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell.
Effie Trinket, the flamboyant and iconic Capitol stylist, was originally portrayed by Elizabeth Banks in the first four Hunger Games films. In this new installment, Fanning takes on the role of a younger Effie, styling Haymitch Abernathy, played by Joseph Zada, who is unexpectedly selected as a tribute from District 12. The story follows Haymitch’s struggle for survival in the deadly arena, which this time features a lethal twist with 48 tributes instead of the usual 24.
The film is directed by Francis Lawrence, who helmed four of the previous Hunger Games movies, ensuring continuity in the franchise’s visual and narrative style. The screenplay is written by Billy Ray, and the production is overseen by Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson under Color Force, with Cameron MacConomy as executive producer.
Joining Fanning and Zada in the cast are Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird, Mckenna Grace, Jesse Plemons, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Maya Hawke, Lili Taylor, Ben Wang, Molly McCann, and Iona Bell. Ralph Fiennes has been cast as the nefarious President Coriolanus Snow, adding further star power to the ensemble.
Lionsgate Motion Picture Group co-president Erin Westerman expressed enthusiasm about Fanning’s casting, praising her ability to bring warmth, radiance, and depth to the character of Effie, a role beloved by fans worldwide:
“From the instant Suzanne published the book, one question resonated with fans worldwide: Who will take on the role of Effie? Elizabeth Banks created an iconic portrayal — so who could pay tribute to that legacy while taking us back to Effie's early and pivotal days? For us, there was only one choice. Elle Fanning's career has been remarkable. She possesses a unique presence — warm, radiant, and filled with extraordinary depth. She was the clear fan favorite from the very beginning, and we are thrilled she accepted the role. It seems the odds were indeed in our favor.”
Fanning’s recent notable projects include the Oscar-nominated film A Complete Unknown and the upcoming Predator: Badlands, highlighting her rising profile in Hollywood. Fans of the franchise have warmly welcomed her casting, anticipating her fresh take on the beloved character Effie Trinket.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping promises to expand the Hunger Games universe by exploring the origins and darker history of Panem, with a star-studded cast and a seasoned director at the helm. The film’s release on November 20, 2026, is highly anticipated by fans and industry watchers alike.