Elle Fanning to Play Effie in ‘Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping' (Exclusive)
The Emmy-nominated actress has been cast as Effie Trinket in the forthcoming Lionsgate film, The Hollywood Reporter has learned exclusively. Francis Lawrence directs the movie adaptation of Suzanne Collins' best-selling novel that will hit theaters Nov. 20, 2026.
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In the feature, Effie serves as the stylist for Haymitch Abernathy (played by Joseph Zada) in the preparation for the 50th Hunger Games. Elizabeth Banks portrayed an older version of Effie in the series' first four films that kicked off with The Hunger Games hitting theaters in 2012.
Previously announced castmembers include Zada, Whitney Peak, Mckenna Grace, Jesse Plemons, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Maya Hawke, Lili Taylor and Ben Wang. THR's exclusive reporting has included the recent news that Ralph Fiennes has been cast as the diabolical President Snow and that Molly McCann and Iona Bell will portray standout book characters Louella and Lou Lou, respectively.
'From the moment Suzanne released the book, one question echoed from fans around the world: Who will play Effie?' says Lionsgate Motion Picture Group co-president Erin Westerman. 'Elizabeth Banks made her iconic — so who could honor that legacy while bringing us back to Effie's early, most formative days? For us, there was only one answer. Elle Fanning's career has been transcendent. She has a rare presence — warm, sparkling and layered with extraordinary depth. She was the undeniable fan favorite from the start, and we're honored she answered the call. The odds, it turns out, were in our favor.'
Lawrence helms the movie from a script by Billy Ray that adapts Collins' book. Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson produce for Color Force, while Cameron MacConomy executive produces.
Meredith Wieck and Scott O'Brien oversee Sunrise on the Reaping for Lionsgate. Robert Melnik handled the deal on behalf of the studio.
The book Sunrise on the Reaping takes place in Panem on the morning of the reaping for the 50th Hunger Games, 24 years before the events in The Hunger Games, the first novel that published in 2008. The franchise's first five movies have surpassed $3.3 billion at the worldwide box office, with the initial four films led by Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen.
Fanning's recent credits include last year's Oscar-nominated feature A Complete Unknown and Joachim Trier's Sentimental Value, premiering at Cannes this week. She can be seen in such forthcoming projects as the Apple TV+ series Margo's Got Money Troubles and 20th Century's fall movie Predator: Badlands.
The actress is represented by UTA, TFC Management and Hansen Jacobson.
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