BREAKING: Filming for the highly anticipated prequel to the Hunger Games series, titled The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, is officially underway, with Elle Fanning stepping into the role of Effie Trinket. In a heartwarming gesture, original star Elizabeth Banks has offered her well wishes to Fanning, who is gearing up to portray a young version of the beloved character.
This new chapter in the Hunger Games saga, based on Suzanne Collins’ best-selling novel, is set in Panem on the morning of the reaping for the 50th Hunger Games, occurring 24 years before the events of the first film. Fanning’s Effie serves as the stylist for Haymitch Abernathy, played by Joseph Zada. Banks, who portrayed the older Effie in the franchise’s first four films starting with the original release in 2012, has expressed her support for Fanning’s portrayal.
At the Academy Museum Gala on October 14, 2023, Fanning shared her excitement with The Hollywood Reporter, stating, “I’m almost done with my section. Effie is on the screen now.” She recounted her interaction with Banks, revealing, “I’ve met her before, and she actually was so kind. She sent me these beautiful flowers and said, ‘May the odds be ever in your favor.’ We texted a little bit. She made that role iconic and so lovable, and I hope I can live up to what she did for the fans.”
The film, directed by Francis Lawrence, is set to hit theaters on November 20, 2026. The impressive cast includes 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 expressed gratitude to the fans for her casting, stating, “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.’” This strong fan support underscores the emotional connection audiences have with the Hunger Games franchise, making Fanning’s role even more significant.
As anticipation builds for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, fans are eager to see how Fanning will bring Effie Trinket to life. With filming currently in progress, stay tuned for more updates as this thrilling prequel develops.