Elle Fanning is poised to enter the arena of excitement in "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping." The Emmy-nominated actress has been selected to breathe life into the character of Effie Trinket in the upcoming Lionsgate film, as exclusively revealed by The Hollywood Reporter. Francis Lawrence will direct this cinematic adaptation of Suzanne Collins' bestselling novel, set for a theatrical release in November 2026.
In the feature, Effie takes on the role of stylist for Haymitch Abernathy (played by Joseph Zada), assisting him in his preparations for the monumental 50th Hunger Games. Elizabeth Banks previously portrayed an older version of Effie in the series' initial four films, which debuted with "The Hunger Games" in 2012.
Other cast members who have been announced include Zada, Whitney Peak, Mckenna Grace, Jesse Plemons, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Maya Hawke, Lili Taylor, and Ben Wang. Recent exclusive reports from THR have also unveiled that Ralph Fiennes has been cast as the cunning President Snow, while Molly McCann and Iona Bell will embody the memorable book characters Louella and Lou Lou, respectively.
"From the instant Suzanne released the book, a resounding question echoed among fans worldwide: Who would embody Effie?" remarks Erin Westerman, co-president of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group. "Elizabeth Banks made the character iconic—so who could do justice to her legacy while transporting us back to Effie's early, formative years? For us, there was only one answer. Elle Fanning's career has been nothing short of extraordinary. She possesses a unique presence—warm, radiant, and layered with exceptional depth. She was the overwhelming fan favorite from the outset, and we are thrilled that she has answered the call. It seems the odds were in our favor."
Lawrence will helm the film from a script penned by Billy Ray, adapting Collins' novel. Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson will produce for Color Force, with Cameron MacConomy serving as executive producer. Meredith Wieck and Scott O'Brien will oversee "Sunrise on the Reaping" for Lionsgate, while Robert Melnik handled negotiations on behalf of the studio.
"Sunrise on the Reaping" unfolds in Panem on the morning of the reaping for the 50th Hunger Games, 24 years prior to the events chronicled in the 2008 novel "The Hunger Games." The franchise's first five films have amassed over $3.3 billion at the global box office, with Jennifer Lawrence leading the initial four as Katniss Everdeen.
Fanning's recent credits include last year's Oscar-nominated film "A Complete Unknown" and Joachim Trier's "Sentimental Value," which premiered at Cannes this week. She will also appear in upcoming projects such as the Apple TV+ series "Margo's Got Money Troubles" and 20th Century Studios' fall film "Predator: Badlands." The actress is represented by UTA, TFC Management, and Hansen Jacobson.
