BREAKING: Filming for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is currently underway, and Elle Fanning has just received heartfelt well wishes from original star Elizabeth Banks. Fanning is stepping into the iconic role of Effie Trinket, and the excitement surrounding the project is palpable.
The latest installment in the Hunger Games franchise, based on Suzanne Collins’ best-selling novel, takes place in the dystopian world of Panem just before the 50th Hunger Games. This prequel features Effie as the stylist for Haymitch Abernathy, played by Joseph Zada, and unfolds 24 years prior to the events of the original films.
At the Academy Museum Gala on Saturday, Fanning revealed to The Hollywood Reporter that production is well underway, stating, “I’m almost done with my section. Effie is on the screen now.” The role of Effie was originally brought to life by Banks, who portrayed an older version across the first four films, starting with the franchise’s debut in 2012.
Fanning shared her emotional connection with Banks, recalling their interactions: “I’ve met her before and she actually was so kind and 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 so 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, with a star-studded cast that includes Whitney Peak, Mckenna Grace, Jesse Plemons, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Maya Hawke, Lili Taylor, Ben Wang, and Ralph Fiennes as the villainous President Snow.
Earlier this year, Fanning credited dedicated fans for her casting as Effie, revealing, “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.’”
With anticipation building, many are eager to see how Fanning embodies this beloved character. As filming progresses, fans and industry insiders alike are closely watching for further updates on this highly-anticipated prequel. Stay tuned for more developments as they unfold!
