Latest news with #Panem
Metro
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Gripping prequel soars up Netflix charts as fans declare it 'best in franchise'
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes has just dropped on Netflix, and fans are already calling it the 'best film in the franchise'. It's proving so popular, in fact, that following its Netflix debut this week, it's climbed into the top 10. Released in November 2023, the action/adventure movie is based on the 2020 novel of the same name, serving as a prequel to 2012's hugely successful The Hunger Games, which starred Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson. Set decades before the iconic Mockingjay era, this dark and dazzling prequel tells the origin story of a young Coriolanus Snow—the man who would later become Panem's most feared president. Long before he wore white suits and ordered rebel bombings, Snow was just another ambitious teenager clawing his way out of poverty and into power. He's played by Tom Blyth with an unnerving mix of charm, desperation, and icy control, making the fall from grace feel both inevitable and hard to watch. Opposite him is Rachel Zegler as Lucy Gray Baird, a District 12 tribute with a voice that hypnotises and a will to survive that rivals Katniss', though she's anything but a carbon copy. Lucy Gray is no rebel, and Zegler cleverly brings her to life with her electric performance. From her haunting ballads to her quiet tricks, she commands every scene she's in—and fans can't stop talking about her. 'I like how they made another strong female character without having to resort to Katniss' clone who fights good,' @nogoodpho wrote on Reddit. Add in a show-stopping performance from Jason Schwartzman as Lucky Flickerman and Viola Davis as the terrifying Dr. Gaul, and you've got a film that's part dystopia, part musical, and 100% watch-worthy. When it hit cinemas in late 2023, Songbirds and Snakes received mixed reviews—some critics loved its ambition, while others were put off by its slow burn and darker tone. It did, however, gross $349million (£255.6m) off its $100m (£73.2m) budget. And now that it's streaming, audiences are giving it—and its 64% Rotten Tomatoes score—a second look, and this time, they're hooked. Social media is buzzing with praise, fan theories, and 'I told you so' posts from people who always believed the prequel would be a game-changer. @nolanpflan wrote: 'In my opinion this hands down the best movie in the Hunger Games franchise.' 'I was gripped the entire runtime and never felt an ounce of boredom. I just wish they went the extra mile and went a full three hours for the sake of the last act, but I'm still very pleased.I truly think this is leagues above the other four Hunger Games films,' @tacomasters added. Another viewer, @karpaensi, praised the release: 'You know it's a good movie when it haunts you. I watched it and I've been thinking about it all day.' And they're not wrong. Unlike the later films in the original series, which leaned heavily into politics and revolution, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes—which features the song Can't Catch Me Now from Glastonbury headliner Olivia Rodrigo—keeps the focus on the arena and the twisted beginnings of the spectacle we came to know. It's brutal, raw, and unflinching in its depiction of how easily human suffering can be turned into entertainment—and how fast a desperate boy can become a monster. Director Francis Lawrence, who helmed Catching Fire (2013) and both Mockingjay (part 1 in 2013 and part 2 in 2015) films, returns with a sharper eye, creating a world that's more grimy than glossy—and all the better for it. This is Panem at its most fragile and dangerous, and the Capitol isn't the polished powerhouse we're used to—it's the definition of chaos, and it is just starting to realise how powerful fear can be. More Trending Without giving too much away, it pulls the rug out from under you, then pulls it once again, just when you think you're back on your feet. Everyone has a different theory, and that's all part of the magic. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is streaming now on Netflix. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Andrew Lloyd Webber shares safety fears over Rachel Zegler's Evita stunt MORE: Rachel Zegler's Evita faces backlash over trigger warnings – but critics miss the point MORE: Evita fans give verdict on Rachel Zegler's controversial balcony performance
Geek Girl Authority
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Girl Authority
Everything We Know So Far About THE HUNGER GAMES: SUNRISE ON THE REAPING
Over the past two months, Lionsgate has blessed us with a plethora of cast announcements for its highly anticipated adaptation of Suzanne Collins' bestselling novel, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping . Seriously, this roster of actors, ranging from high-profile to newcomer, might rival Game of Thrones for the largest main cast. If you're struggling to keep track of who's who, we've got you covered. Let's break down everything we know so far about The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping . RELATED: Book Review: Sunrise on the Reaping About the Film Here's a brief synopsis per Lionsgate: ' The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping will revisit the world of Panem 24 years before the events of The Hunger Games , starting on the morning of the reaping of the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell.' If you recall, District 12 tribute Haymitch Abernathy emerged as the victor of the titular games for this edition. Additionally, it's the Quarter Quell, so there's a twist to the reaping process: twice the tributes from each district. That's two boys and two girls per district, amounting to 48 tributes total participating in the games. RELATED: Jhaleil Swaby Steps Into the Arena for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping The Crew Franchise veteran Francis Lawrence is returning at the helm, directing from a screenplay by Billy Ray. Lawrence has directed every film in the series since Catching Fire . Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson are also back as producers under their Color Force banner. The Cast So, who's starring in this buzzy adaptation? Brace yourselves: The Tributes Joseph Zada is Haymitch Abernathy, Whitney Peak is Lenore Dove Baird, his girlfriend from District 12; Mckenna Grace is Maysilee Donner, a female tribute from District 12; Ben Wang is Wyatt Callow, the other male tribute from District 12; Molly McCann is Louella McCoy, the other female tribute from District 12; Iona Bell is Lou Lou, the body double for Louella; Jhaleil Swaby is Panache Barker, a male tribute from District 1; Laura Marcus is Silka Sharp, a female Career Tribute from District 1; Percy Daggs IV is Ampert Latier, a male tribute from District 3, and Rada Rae is Wellie, a female tribute from District 6. RELATED: Sunrise on the Reaping : Glenn Close and Billy Porter Latest Additions to Expansive Cast The Adults Rounding out the cast thus far is Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket, a young stylist for Haymitch; Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, a cameraman during the District 12 reaping; Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee Latier, victor of the 34th Hunger Games who mentors his son, Ampert; Maya Hawke as Wiress, victor of the 49th Hunger Games who mentors the District 12 tributes; Lili Taylor as Mags Flanagan, victor of the 11th Hunger Games who mentors Haymitch; Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman, the host of the interviews; Billy Porter as Magno Stift, a District 12 stylist; Glenn Close as Drusilla Sickle, a District 12 escort and wife of Magno, and Ralph Fiennes as President Coriolanus Snow, the ruthless ruler of Panem. Theatrical Release Date Expect the prequel film to hit theaters on November 20, 2026. THE HUNGER GAMES: SUNRISE ON THE REAPING Finds Its Effie Trinket in Elle Fanning Contact: [email protected] What I do: I'm GGA's Managing Editor, a Senior Contributor, and Press Coordinator. I manage, contribute, and coordinate. Sometimes all at once. Joking aside, I oversee day-to-day operations for GGA, write, edit, and assess interview opportunities/press events. Who I am: Before moving to Los Angeles after studying theater in college, I was born and raised in Amish country, Ohio. No, I am not Amish, even if I sometimes sport a modest bonnet. Bylines in: Tell-Tale TV, Culturess, Sideshow Collectibles, and inkMend on Medium. Critic: Rotten Tomatoes, CherryPicks, and the Hollywood Creative Alliance.
Geek Tyrant
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
Glenn Close and Billy Porter Join the Cast of HUNGER GAMES: SUNRISE ON THE REAPING — GeekTyrant
Eight-time Academy Award-nominated actress Glenn Close ( Fatal Attraction , The Wife ) and Emmy-winner Billy Porter ( Pose ) have joined the ensemble cast of Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping . Close will play Drusilla Sickle, the cruel escort to the District 12 Tributes, while Porter will portray Magno Stift, her estranged husband and designer to the Tributes. They'll joined the previously announced ensemble of Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy, Whitney Peak, Mckenna Grace, Jesse Plemons, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Maya Hawke, Lili Taylor, Ben Wang, Ralph Fiennes, Elle Fanning and Kieran Culkin. Based on Suzanne Collins' novel of the same name, Sunrise on the Reaping will revisit the world of Panem nearly a quarter of a century before the events of the original Hunger Games saga. It starts on the morning of the reaping of the 50th Hunger Games, known as the Second Quarter Quell, in which Haymitch Abernathy enters the deadly arena. In 2012's Hunger Games , Haymitch serves as a mentor to Jennifer Lawrence's Katniss Everdeen and Josh Hutcherson's Peeta Mellark. Close will appear next in Rian Johnson's next Knives Out sequel, Wake Up Dead Man . Porter recently made his West End debut as the Emcee in Cabaret and will star in Gurinder Chandha's upcoming film Christmas Karma . via: Variety
Newsweek
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Glenn Close Joins 'The Hunger Games'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors Eight-time Oscar nominee Glenn Close is coming to the world of Panem. The "Tehran" star has been cast as the cruel District 12 escort Drusilla in the upcoming "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping". Joining Close is Billy Porter who will play her estranged husband Magno Stift. Read More: 'Naked Gun' Reboot Trailer Shares First Look at Liam Neeson, Pamela Anderson Team Up Close and Porter are now part of a cast that includes Joseph Zada, Whitney Peak, Mckenna Grace, Jesse Plemons, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Maya Hawke, Lili Taylor, Ben Wang, Ralph Fiennes, Elle Fanning and Kieran Culkin. Glenn Close in "Guardians of the Galaxy". Glenn Close in "Guardians of the Galaxy". DISNEY "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping" is based on the most recent novel in the series by Suzanne Collins. The film will be directed by Francis Lawrence from a script by Billy Ray. Lawrence has helmed all of "The Hunger Games" films save for the very first one, which was directed by Gary Ross. Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpsonare are producing. Cameron MacConomy will executive produce. About Close's casting, Jacobson said, "Glenn Close is a dream Drusilla. She brings so much of her intellect and imagination to each role, creating characters who are unforgettable and iconic. I think Glenn and Francis will have a ball bringing Drusilla from the page to the screen." Jacobson also commented on Porter, adding, "Billy is one of those rare performers who can dazzle and devastate in equal measure on stage and screen. He made an indelible impression on me when we worked together on 'Pose', both as an actor and a human being." "Casting this show has felt like winning the lottery every time one of our idols said yes to us. To be able to announce Glenn Close and Billy Porter together is an embarrassment of riches that we can all celebrate." Like its predecessor, "The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes", "Sunrise on the Reaping" is a prequel. It takes place 24 years before the events of the first "Hunger Games" novel. The more recent novel, which released on March 18, opens on the morning of the reaping of the Fiftieth Hunger Games. "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping" will be the sixth film in "The Hunger Games series. So far, the films have amassed $3.3 billion at the box office. More Movies: 'Violent Night 2' Brings Back David Harbour as Blood-Soaked Santa Claus 'Spaceballs 2' Recruiting 'Thunderbolts' Star
Hindustan Times
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Kieran Culkin on his Hunger Games debut: ‘I have no idea what I'm gonna do'
The world of The Hunger Games is back — and this time, it's bringing a whole new ensemble of elite talent into Panem. While fans are hyped for Sunrise on the Reaping, the latest chapter in Suzanne Collins' dystopian saga, one name in the cast has caught everyone's attention: Kieran Culkin. The actor recently revealed his thoughts on his performance, and they're as hilariously modest as you'd expect. Recently confirmed to play Caesar Flickerman, the same larger-than-life Capitol host that Stanley Tucci so iconically embodied in the original films, Culkin had a surprising message for fans. While signing autographs, he reportedly told one excited onlooker: 'Lower those expectations, please. Please do. I have no idea what I'm gonna do with that.' Known for his Emmy-winning role as the deeply complicated Roman Roy in HBO's Succession and his recent Oscar win for A Real Pain, Culkin has earned a reputation for delivering powerhouse performances while never taking himself too seriously. And of course, following in Stanley Tucci's glitter-covered footsteps is no small task since Tucci's version of Caesar was theatrical, flamboyant, and oddly endearing Culkin is joining a powerhouse cast in Sunrise on the Reaping, which includes Ralph Fiennes as a younger Coriolanus Snow, Joseph Zada as a young Haymitch Abernathy, Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket, Maya Hawke as Wiress, Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner, and Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird. The film will bring to life Collins' latest book of the same name, released on March 18. The novel revisits the 50th Hunger Games — also known as the Second Quarter Quell — and dives into the emotional and political complexities that shaped a young Haymitch, revealing the roots of the battle-hardened mentor we meet in Katniss Everdeen's story.
