Elle Fanning is having quite a weekend at the movies. As her latest film, Predator: Badlands, hits theaters, the actor revealed that she’s also wrapped filming on another massive franchise entry — The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping.
In an interview with Collider while promoting Predator: Badlands and her upcoming indie Sentimental Value, Fanning confirmed that she has completed work on Sunrise on the Reaping, where she plays a younger version of Effie Trinket, the Capitol escort made iconic by Elizabeth Banks.
“Well, I’m done filming it, so that’s done,” Fanning said. “Effie’s on the screen, which is super cool. The clothes are great. I love what Elizabeth Banks did so much, so I’m like, you know, bow down to her! I hope I can make the fans proud. And Francis is amazing. The cast is great. It was fun.”
A New Generation Steps Into Panem
Sunrise on the Reaping features several reimagined versions of beloved Hunger Games characters. Among the impressive lineup: Joseph Zada as a young Haymitch Abernathy, Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman, Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee Latier, Maya Hawke as Wiress, and Lili Taylor as Mags Flanagan.
Meanwhile, Ralph Fiennes joins the saga as President Snow, succeeding both Donald Sutherland and Tom Blyth (who portrayed a younger Snow in The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes).
Set 24 years before the 2012 original film, Sunrise on the Reaping takes place during the 50th Hunger Games — the infamous Second Quarter Quell. It’s the brutal tournament that made Haymitch Abernathy (originally played by Woody Harrelson) a victor and a reluctant future mentor to Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark.
The Franchise Marches On
Directed by Francis Lawrence, who returns after helming every installment since Catching Fire, the prequel’s script is written by Billy Ray, based on Suzanne Collins’ 2025 novel of the same name.
Principal photography began in Spain in late July, with Lionsgate once again betting big on one of its most successful properties.
The five previous films — The Hunger Games (2012), Catching Fire (2013), Mockingjay – Part 1 (2014), Mockingjay – Part 2 (2015), and The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023) — have collectively earned over $3.3 billion worldwide and remain Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.
What’s Next for Elle Fanning
Between Predator: Badlands and The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, Fanning is cementing herself as one of Hollywood’s most versatile young stars — seamlessly moving between indie drama and franchise spectacle.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping releases in theaters on November 20, 2026.
