Elle Fanning's heart soared with joy upon receiving a heartfelt message of support from Elizabeth Banks, the original actress who played young Effie Trinket in the upcoming film "Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping." This prequel, set in Panem on the morning of the 50th Hunger Games, 24 years before the events of the first movie, is an adaptation of Suzanne Collins' novel.
At the Academy Museum Gala, the "Maleficent" actress told The Hollywood Reporter that while her other co-stars were still in the process of filming, "I'm almost done with my section. Effie is on the screen now." Fanning expressed her delight over the endorsement she received from Banks, Effie's original actress. "I've met her before and she was so kind; she sent me these beautiful flowers and said, 'May the odds be ever in your favor.'"
Praising the actress, Fanning continued, "We texted a little bit. She made that role iconic and so lovable, and so I hope I can live up to what she did for the fans." In the prequel, Effie serves as the stylist for Haymitch Abernathy (played by Joseph Zada) ahead of the 50th game.
The film is directed by Francis Lawrence and also stars Whitney Peak, Mckenna Grace, Jesse Plemons, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Maya Hawke, Lili Taylor, Ben Wang, and Ralph Fiennes. "Hunger Games: Sunrise of the Reaping" is set to release on November 20, 2026.
