UPDATE: Filming for the highly anticipated The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is officially underway, and star Elle Fanning has received heartfelt support from original Effie Trinket actress Elizabeth Banks. As production ramps up, Fanning, who takes on the younger version of Effie, revealed significant details about her experience and the iconic role.
In a statement made at the Academy Museum Gala on October 14, 2023, Fanning shared, “I’m almost done with my section. Effie is on the screen now.” This marks an exciting moment for fans as the film is set to explore the early days of Panem, specifically the morning of the reaping for the 50th Hunger Games, which occurs 24 years before the original film series began.
Fanning expressed her gratitude for Banks’ encouragement, recalling, “She actually was so kind and sent me these beautiful flowers and said, ‘May the odds be ever in your favor.’” The actress emphasized the importance of Banks’ portrayal, stating, “She made that role iconic and so lovable, and I hope I can live up to what she did for the fans.”
Directed by Francis Lawrence, this prequel also features a talented cast that includes Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy, Whitney Peak, Mckenna Grace, Jesse Plemons, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Maya Hawke, Lili Taylor, and Ben Wang, with Ralph Fiennes portraying the villainous President Snow.
Fanning previously credited the passionate fanbase for her casting, mentioning in an earlier interview with MTV, “It was funny because I think fans made this happen in a way. The studio [Lionsgate] said they were getting kind of hounded online, like, ‘Elle needs to play Effie.’”
The film is scheduled to hit theaters on November 20, 2026, and the excitement continues to build as production progresses. Fans of the franchise are eagerly awaiting more updates on this new chapter in the Hunger Games saga. Stay tuned for further developments as filming continues and official teasers are released.
