Original Hunger Games star Elizabeth Banks expresses enthusiasm for the casting of a returning character in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping

. After five previous movies, the world of Suzanne Collins’ beloved young adult book franchise is now set to return to the big screen once more with a new film from director Francis Lawrence. Based on Collins’ novel of the same name, the Sunrise on the Reaping story follows Haymitch Abernathy (Joseph Zada) as he competes in the 50th Hunger Games, with Elle Fanning recently confirmed to be playing the returning Effie Trinket.

In a recent interview with People at the premiere of The Better Sister, Banks reacts to the news that Fanning will be playing Effie in Sunrise on the Reaping. Banks, who played Effie in the four original Hunger Games movies, reveals that she’s already texted Fanning about it, sharing that she thinks the star is a “perfect” fit for the character:

“”I’m thrilled for her. We already texted. I’m super excited. I texted the producers as well, and I think she’s perfect.”

Banks touches on the generally positive response to the casting announcement, expressing excitement that a new Effie is on the way:

“I think everyone’s really happy. And I’m really happy about that. I’m excited for the next generation to have their Effie.”

The actor does admit that she hasn’t yet read Sunrise on the Reaping, but she does says she’s “got time” before the film comes out:

“So please don’t ask me any more about the book. I feel terrible, but I have yet to read.”

What This Means For Sunrise On The Reaping

Elle Fanning Is One Of A Number Of Franchise Newcomers Playing Original Characters

Fanning is one of several new actors confirmed to be part of the Sunrise on the Reaping cast. The movie will feature the return of a number of familiar characters, but the story being set 24 years before the events of the first Hunger Games means that all of these returning characters will be played by different actors. Zada, for example, is taking on the role of Haymitch after Woody Harrelson played the character in the original four movies.

Jesse Plemons will be playing Plutarch Heavensbee, a role previously played by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman. Ralph Fiennes is taking on the role of President Snow, the villainous character previously played by the late Donald Sutherland in the four original Hunger Games movies and by Tom Blyth in The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (2023) prequel. And it was also recently revealed that Kieran Culkin will be playing Caesar Flickerman, the Hunger Games host that Stanley Tucci brought to life in the original films. See the chart below for a full list of known castings:

Banks’ enthusiasm about Fanning’s casting is a positive sign for the film, but it does highlight that many of these new actors playing returning characters have big shoes to fill. The original Hunger Games movies were all very successful, after all, and actors like Sutherland, Hoffman, and Banks, among others, were generally well-liked in their respective roles.

Our Take On Banks’ Comments About Sunrise On The Reaping’s New Effie

Fanning Is A Great Choice

It’s early days for Sunrise on the Reaping, as the film is still 18 months from releasing in theaters, but the cast alone is reason enough to be excited about the project. Fanning, in particular, is a promising addition, as she recently made a mark starring opposite Timothée Chalamet in A Complete Unknown (2024). Fanning’s roles in other projects like The Great (2020 – 2023), Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019), The Neon Demon (2016), and Trumbo (2015) only further establish her as a strong performer.

Still, though, the new cast members have a daunting task ahead of them, as many will be playing characters that first made their way onto screens back in 2012. It remains to be seen how The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping will fare with audiences, but Banks is evidently excited to see the new take on Effie.

Source: People