Author: Ella Rayment-Ward

Nearly a month since the first cast announcement dropped, Hunger Games fans finally have the answer to a long-awaited question.In case you missed the news, the Hunger Games franchise is getting a new movie in 2026 based on Suzanne Collins’ latest bestselling book, Sunrise on the Reaping.The book and film is a prequel to the original trilogy, following a 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy and how he came to be the victor of the 50th Hunger Games.READ MORE: ’He will be missed forever’: Cheers star dies age 76A Hunger Games fan-favourite character is returning – but not as you think. Naturally, fans were thrilled to discover the story brings back many old characters – including the extravagant Effie Trinket, originally played by Elizabeth Banks.Since casting began, many have put forward one particular actress to play a younger version of the character. And now, that wish has come to fruition.This morning it was announced none other than 27-year-old Elle Fanning, known for The Great and Maleficent among other roles, will play the fan-favourite star.Now we have our Effie, here’s everything you need to know about the new Hunger Games instalment, and all the stars playing our favourite friends and foes.Sunrise on the Reaping book cover. (Scholastic)Returning characters…Effie Trinket(Getty/ Lionsgate)In the original trilogy, Effie Trinket is the Capitol resident who is assigned to District 12. She draws the tributes at the reaping and escorts Katniss and Peeta to the Capitol.But in Sunrise on the Reaping, we get to see Trinket 24 years earlier when she helps style Haymitch and the other District 12 tributes.Banks offered her “congrats” to Fanning, reposting the official casting video from the Hunger Games Instagram account to her Instagram Stories.Watch the video above.Fanning posted this to her Instagram Story. (Instagram/ Elle Fanning)READ MORE: ‘Maybe move on’: Star addresses ongoing divorce rumoursFanning celebrated the news by sharing a photo of Banks as the character. ”Effie has always been my favourite,” she wrote to her Story.Haymitch Abernathy (Nine/ AP)This casting is extra special for Aussies.Sydney-born-and-raised actor Joseph Zada will play a 16-year-old version of Woody Harrelson’s character, Haymitch Abernathy.Zada starred in the Stan series Invisible Boys and will be in the upcoming series, We Were Liars, based on the book of the same name.Haymitch is the protagonist of Sunrise on the Reaping as it follows his journey from the morning of the 50th Hunger Games reaping.He becomes one of District 12’s four tributes for the Second Quarter Quell. President Coriolanus Snow(AP/ Getty/ AP)As far as villains go, Coriolanus Snow is one of the most memorable – and soon he’ll have been played by three different actors.The late Donald Sutherland starred as the tyrannical President of Panem in the first four Hunger Games films. Up-and-coming actor Tom Blyth then played a younger version of the character in the prequel film, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, which follows the 10th Hunger Games and sets the scene for Snow’s descent into villainy.The Hunger Games cast: Where are they now?Now, Hollywood star Ralph Fiennes will bridge the gap between the two portrayals, playing a middle-aged version of the President, 24 years before the events of the Hunger Games trilogy.This means Fiennes will have starred as two of the most iconic – and terrifying – villains in book to movie franchises after playing Voldemort in the Harry Potter series. Plutarch Heavensbee (Getty/ Lionsgate)For a daily dose of 9Honey, subscribe to our newsletter hereJesse Plemons will star as a younger version of capitol resident Plutarch Heavensbee, originally portrayed by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman.Plemons has starred in Breaking Bad, Fargo and Friday Night Lights among other titles.Plutarch first appears in the original Hunger Games franchise in the second instalment, Catching Fire, when he’s introduced as the new Head Gamemaker. He then becomes instrumental to the rebellion.In Sunrise on the Reaping, Plutarch is a cameraman in charge of filming content for District 12’s tributes, which is how he meets Haymitch.Wiress(Getty/ Lionsgate)Remember Wiress, AKA ‘Nuts’, as she was nicknamed by Johanna in Catching Fire? We’re first introduced to Wiress in the second Hunger Games instalment as one of the victors selected as a tribute for the third Quarter Quell, who then becomes an ally to Katniss and Peeta. She was played by Amanda Plummer in Catching Fire.Now, actress Maya Hawke, 26, will play a 24 years younger version of the character who ends up as a mentor to Haymitch and the other District 12 tributes.Hawke is best known for starring in the hit series Stranger Things.She is also the daughter of two Hollywood greats: Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman.Read all about her here. Beetee Latier(Getty Images for Walt Disney/ Lionsgate)Beetee is Wiress’ fellow District 3 tribute in the events of Catching Fire.The tech-savvy genius who aids the revolution is played by Jeffrey Wright in the final three movies of the original franchise.Beetee also appears in Sunrise of the Reaping as a mentor to District 3 after already having won his Hunger Games. His son Ampert is also a tribute in the 50th Hunger Games, becoming an ally to Haymitch.Kelvin Harrison Jr., 30, will play Beetee in the new film. He’s known for projects including Waves, Chevalier and Mufasa: The Lion King.Mags Flanagan(Getty/ Lionsgate)And finally, another character from Catching Fire returning for the new instalment is Mags, originally played by Lynn Cohen.Mags is a Hunger Games victor from District 4.In Catching Fire, she volunteers to be a tribute in the third Quarter Quell alongside Finnick Odair. But in Sunrise on the Reaping, she’s a mentor to District 12.American actress Lili Taylor, of Mystic Pizza and The Haunting fame, will play Mags in the prequel instalment.READ MORE: Meghan shares previously unseen photos of Archie and LilibetAnd some new characters…Lenore Dove Baird(Getty)Whitney Peak, 22, is joining the franchise as Lenore Dove Baird.Lenore Dove is from District 12 and one of the Covey, who you might remember Lucy Gray Baird from The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes was as well.She is also the girlfriend of Haymitch Abernathy.Peak is best known for starring in the 2021 Gossip Girl reboot series.Maysilee Donner(Getty Images for iHeartRadio)McKenna Grace is playing one of the four District 12 tributes in the 50th Hunger Games, Maysilee Donner.When we’re first introduced to Maysilee at the start of the book, Haymitch describes her in his opinion as “the most stuck-up girl in town”.In the original Hunger Games franchise, we find out she was friends with Katniss’ mum.Grace started out as a child actor, playing younger versions of A-listers like Margot Robbie in I, Tonya and Brie Larson in Captain Marvel. She’s also been in the Ghostbusters franchise, The Handmaid’s Tale and Young Sheldon.Wyatt Callow(Getty)READ MORE: King, David Beckham unite amid family rift comparisonsAnother of the District 12 tributes, Wyatt Callow is an oddsmaker.Wyatt will be played by 25-year-old actor Ben Wang.”I am really, really pumped about that project,” Wang said in a video posted by Hits Radio UK on TikTok about his Sunrise on the Reaping role. Wang is currently promoting his upcoming role in the latest Karate Kid instalment, Karate Kid: Legends.Louella McCoy(Instagram/ Molly McCann)Louella is the fourth District 12 tribute.Haymitch calls her his “sweetheart” in the book, taking on a brotherly role towards her.Louella will be played by Molly McCann, who has been in Bad Sisters and Star Wars: Visions.Lou Lou(Instagram/ Iona Bell)We don’t want to give any spoilers away to this character.All you need to know is Lou Lou is played by English actress, Iona Bell. So, what’s the movie actually about?The film is set 24 years before the events of the first Hunger Games instalment. It follows fan-favourite character Haymitch on the morning of the 50th Hunger Games, which is the second Quarter Quell of the Hunger Games. Given it is a Quarter Quell, which is an anniversary of the games, there is a special rule change for the year: instead of the usual 24 tributes, there are 48.The story follows Haymitch and his eventual victory in the Hunger Games, paving the way for Katniss to spark the revolution two decades later. When does it come out?Good news: we don’t have to wait too long until the next Hunger Games movie. Lionsgate announced The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping movie on June 6, 2024. It is currently slated to come out November 20, 2026Variety.It will be directed by Francis Lawrence who also directed Catching Fire, both the Mockingjay instalments and The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest in celebrity, lifestyle and opinion via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.

Hailey Bieber, 28, has addressed the years-long speculation around her marriage.The model has been married to Canadian singing sensation Justin Bieber, 31, since 2018.Now, in a candid new cover story interview with Vogue, Hailey has spoken out about the constant comments on the state of her marriage.READ MORE: Meghan shares previously unseen photos of Archie and LilibetJustin and Hailey Bieber have been married since 2018. (Getty Images for Roc Nation)”Well, I thought seven years in it would’ve already, and it hasn’t,” she told the outlet when asked if she thought it would have died down by now.”You would think after having a child, people would maybe move on, chill out a little bit, but no,” the Rhode founder continued.READ MORE: Carey Hart apologises to Pink after landing himself in hospital again”So I guess these bitches are going to be mad.”The couple tied the knot in September 2018 after a two-month engagement.The star also spoke about dealing with divorce rumours after welcoming her son.Hailey and Justin welcomed their first child, son Jack Blues, in August 2024.READ MORE: After eight-year hiatus, pregnant superstar returns to CannesHailey Bieber on the cover of Vogue. (Vogue)She said, “being postpartum is the most sensitive time I’ve ever gone through in my life…””And to be doing that all the while going on the internet every day and people being like, They’re getting divorced’ and They’re this and They’re not happy: It is such a mindf–k.”I cannot even begin to explain it. It’s a crazy life to live.”For a daily dose of 9Honey, subscribe to our newsletter hereHollywood couples on their very first red carpet togetherThe couple have faced divorce rumours throughout their seven-year marriage.Just earlier this year, fans speculated the pair were calling it quits in January after Hailey seemingly unfollowed her husband on Instagram.READ MORE: Label detail sparks fierce debate over the right way to make a MiloThe pair have faced divorce rumours throughout their marriage. (Instagram)Justin later shut down the split rumours by writing to his Instagram Story: “Someone went on my account and unfollowed my wife.”This isn’t the first time Hailey has spoken out about the speculation they’re on the brink of divorce.”People have made me feel so bad about my relationship since day one…it’s like people don’t want to believe that we’re happy,” the model told W Magazine in an interview in July 2024. FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest in celebrity, lifestyle and opinion via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.