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We are absolutely sat for this film. Picture: Facebook
1/38We are absolutely sat for this film. Picture: Facebook
If you’ve been lurking on the The Hunger Games’ Instagram like it’s your unpaid internship (along with 90 per cent of the book community), you’ll know that the latest cast reveals of Kieran Culkin and Elle Fanning in the next film instalment have basically broken the internet. Picture: Barnes & Noble
2/38If you’ve been lurking on the The Hunger Games’ Instagram like it’s your unpaid internship (along with 90 per cent of the book community), you’ll know that the latest cast reveals of Kieran Culkin and Elle Fanning in the next film instalment have basically broken the internet. Picture: Barnes & Noble
“Please give the casting director a raise and a big hug from me. Oscar-winning.” Picture: Facebook
3/38“Please give the casting director a raise and a big hug from me. Oscar-winning.” Picture: Facebook
Fans who’ve been nostalgic for the golden age of 2010s YA dystopian films like Divergent and The Maze Runner are beginning to feel like 2025 might just be the year the genre makes a thrilling comeback. “Everyone say thank you to the fandom manifesting collective. Our powers have grown stronger,,” one thrilled reader commented. Picture: Instagram
4/38Fans who’ve been nostalgic for the golden age of 2010s YA dystopian films like Divergent and The Maze Runner are beginning to feel like 2025 might just be the year the genre makes a thrilling comeback. “Everyone say thank you to the fandom manifesting collective. Our powers have grown stronger,,” one thrilled reader commented. Picture: Instagram
Sunrise on the Reaping, set 24 years before the events of the first film, had already generated buzz well before its huge casting news, largely fuelled by the popular theory that Suzanne Collins penned the new novel as a tongue-in-cheek punishment for fans who had been sharing President Snow thirst traps across social media. Picture: Instagram
5/38Sunrise on the Reaping, set 24 years before the events of the first film, had already generated buzz well before its huge casting news, largely fuelled by the popular theory that Suzanne Collins penned the new novel as a tongue-in-cheek punishment for fans who had been sharing President Snow thirst traps across social media. Picture: Instagram
There’s a strong belief among the fandom that Collins doesn’t write new material unless she has something meaningful to say, and this 5-star story was widely seen as her way of setting the record straight — a stark and powerful reminder that President Snow isn’t just a complicated character, but a deeply sinister and ruthless villain. Picture: Facebook
6/38There’s a strong belief among the fandom that Collins doesn’t write new material unless she has something meaningful to say, and this 5-star story was widely seen as her way of setting the record straight — a stark and powerful reminder that President Snow isn’t just a complicated character, but a deeply sinister and ruthless villain. Picture: Facebook
The book digs into beloved character Haymitch Abernathy’s heartbreaking journey during and after the 50th games, making it clear that any romanticising of Snow misses the point entirely. It serves as both a captivating prequel and a sobering reinforcement of the themes of power, control, and cruelty that run through the entire series. Picture: Instagram
7/38The book digs into beloved character Haymitch Abernathy’s heartbreaking journey during and after the 50th games, making it clear that any romanticising of Snow misses the point entirely. It serves as both a captivating prequel and a sobering reinforcement of the themes of power, control, and cruelty that run through the entire series. Picture: Instagram
In what may be some of the most effective marketing we’ve seen in a long time, the official page has been slowly revealing cast members since April 24, sometimes posting once a day, and occasionally twice. Fans have been quick to notice patterns in the timing of these announcements, with many speculating that the release schedule is intentionally aligned with the numbers of the Hunger Games districts. Picture: Instagram
8/38In what may be some of the most effective marketing we’ve seen in a long time, the official page has been slowly revealing cast members since April 24, sometimes posting once a day, and occasionally twice. Fans have been quick to notice patterns in the timing of these announcements, with many speculating that the release schedule is intentionally aligned with the numbers of the Hunger Games districts. Picture: Instagram
The production budget is reportedly between $170 million and $200 million, positioning it as the most expensive instalment in the franchise so far. However, with several high-profile casting announcements, some industry insiders speculate that the final cost may climb well beyond those initial estimates. Picture: Facebook
9/38The production budget is reportedly between $170 million and $200 million, positioning it as the most expensive instalment in the franchise so far. However, with several high-profile casting announcements, some industry insiders speculate that the final cost may climb well beyond those initial estimates. Picture: Facebook
As always, ladies first! Elle Fanning feels like the perfect embodiment of a young Effie Trinket. Ever since her standout performance as Catherine the Great, fans have been buzzing about how ideal she’d be for the role. Fanning brought to life a dramatic, extravagantly dressed royal who thrived amidst the absurdity of court life - a portrayal that strikingly mirrors Effie’s flamboyant Capitol persona. I’m a little shocked (and delighted) that the odds were actually in our favour with this choice. Picture: Supplied
10/38As always, ladies first! Elle Fanning feels like the perfect embodiment of a young Effie Trinket. Ever since her standout performance as Catherine the Great, fans have been buzzing about how ideal she’d be for the role. Fanning brought to life a dramatic, extravagantly dressed royal who thrived amidst the absurdity of court life - a portrayal that strikingly mirrors Effie’s flamboyant Capitol persona. I’m a little shocked (and delighted) that the odds were actually in our favour with this choice. Picture: Supplied
While there is no disclosed information regarding Elle Fanning's expected salary, Elizabeth Banks earned between $10 and $20 million playing Effie in Catching Fire, and so considering Fanning's established career, her compensation is expected to be competitive. Picture: Supplied
11/38While there is no disclosed information regarding Elle Fanning's expected salary, Elizabeth Banks earned between $10 and $20 million playing Effie in Catching Fire, and so considering Fanning's established career, her compensation is expected to be competitive. Picture: Supplied
Since her sensational breakout in Stranger Things, Maya Hawke has earned praise for bringing quirky, emotionally nuanced characters to life, exactly what Wiress demands. Picture: Supplied
12/38Since her sensational breakout in Stranger Things, Maya Hawke has earned praise for bringing quirky, emotionally nuanced characters to life, exactly what Wiress demands. Picture: Supplied
Originally played by Tony Award winner Amanda Plummer, with her unique blend of offbeat charm and unpredictability, Hawke is an inspired choice to portray the brilliant yet fragile former victor - and perhaps one of the most exciting cast reveals yet. Picture: Supplied
13/38Originally played by Tony Award winner Amanda Plummer, with her unique blend of offbeat charm and unpredictability, Hawke is an inspired choice to portray the brilliant yet fragile former victor - and perhaps one of the most exciting cast reveals yet. Picture: Supplied
Hawke reportedly earned $250,000 per episode during Stranger Things Season 3, so it’s plausible that her salary falls within the range of $500,000 to $1 million. Picture: Supplied
14/38Hawke reportedly earned $250,000 per episode during Stranger Things Season 3, so it’s plausible that her salary falls within the range of $500,000 to $1 million. Picture: Supplied
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’ leading actress Rachel Zelgar had fans in stitches after commenting “Not my movie ex being Voldemort” on the reveal of Ralph Fiennes as President Snow. Picture: Supplied
15/38The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’ leading actress Rachel Zelgar had fans in stitches after commenting “Not my movie ex being Voldemort” on the reveal of Ralph Fiennes as President Snow. Picture: Supplied
In the 2024 thriller Conclave, Fiennes earned $3 million for his role as Cardinal Lawrence. His compensation for other high-profile roles, such as portraying Lord Voldemort in Harry Potter and M in the James Bond films, hasn't been publicly disclosed, however, industry estimates suggest that he commands between $5 million and $10 million per film for major franchise roles. Picture: Supplied
16/38In the 2024 thriller Conclave, Fiennes earned $3 million for his role as Cardinal Lawrence. His compensation for other high-profile roles, such as portraying Lord Voldemort in Harry Potter and M in the James Bond films, hasn't been publicly disclosed, however, industry estimates suggest that he commands between $5 million and $10 million per film for major franchise roles. Picture: Supplied
President Snow was played initially in the first four films by the late great Donald Sutherland. Picture: Supplied
17/38President Snow was played initially in the first four films by the late great Donald Sutherland. Picture: Supplied
Many fans were secretly hoping that Stanley Tucci would simply be digitally de-aged so we’d never have to see anyone else take on the role of Caesar Flickerman. Picture: Supplied
18/38Many fans were secretly hoping that Stanley Tucci would simply be digitally de-aged so we’d never have to see anyone else take on the role of Caesar Flickerman. Picture: Supplied
But if The Tuc couldn’t make a comeback, then Kieran Culkin is, without question, the only other actor we’d be willing to accept. During the final seasons of HBO's Succession, Culkin earned approximately $350,000 per episode, amounting to around $3.5 million per season. Given his recent Oscar win for A Real Pain, his salary for this project is likely to be in the high six figures to low seven figures. Picture: Supplied
19/38But if The Tuc couldn’t make a comeback, then Kieran Culkin is, without question, the only other actor we’d be willing to accept. During the final seasons of HBO's Succession, Culkin earned approximately $350,000 per episode, amounting to around $3.5 million per season. Given his recent Oscar win for A Real Pain, his salary for this project is likely to be in the high six figures to low seven figures. Picture: Supplied
Moves and countermoves. Known for his quietly commanding roles in Breaking Bad and The Power of the Dog, Jesse Plemons is poised to deliver a standout performance as Plutarch Heavensbee, the cunning strategist who played a crucial role in shaping the rebellion. Picture: Supplied
20/38Moves and countermoves. Known for his quietly commanding roles in Breaking Bad and The Power of the Dog, Jesse Plemons is poised to deliver a standout performance as Plutarch Heavensbee, the cunning strategist who played a crucial role in shaping the rebellion. Picture: Supplied
Plus, the resemblance between Plemons and the late Philip Seymour Hoffman is uncanny. Picture: Supplied
21/38Plus, the resemblance between Plemons and the late Philip Seymour Hoffman is uncanny. Picture: Supplied
As an aside, Plemons’ casting had me binge-watching the first three seasons of Friday Night Lights all over again - no regrets at all; what a show. For this pivotal role, Plemons is expected to earn between $500,000 and $1 million. Picture: Supplied
22/38As an aside, Plemons’ casting had me binge-watching the first three seasons of Friday Night Lights all over again - no regrets at all; what a show. For this pivotal role, Plemons is expected to earn between $500,000 and $1 million. Picture: Supplied
One of the more talked-about casting choices was for the film’s lead: Australian-born actor Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy. Picture: Supplied
23/38One of the more talked-about casting choices was for the film’s lead: Australian-born actor Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy. Picture: Supplied
When it comes to impossible shoes to fill, Woody Harrelson’s portrayal of Haymitch Abernathy ranks near the top, and if the film doesn’t give us at least a few flashforwards featuring him, it’s going to be a tough emotional gap to bridge. Hopefully the budget stretches that far. Picture: Supplied
24/38When it comes to impossible shoes to fill, Woody Harrelson’s portrayal of Haymitch Abernathy ranks near the top, and if the film doesn’t give us at least a few flashforwards featuring him, it’s going to be a tough emotional gap to bridge. Hopefully the budget stretches that far. Picture: Supplied
And let’s not forget: Tom Blyth was also largely unknown when he was cast as young Snow in The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and that turned out pretty well. Zaya is expected to earn between $100,000 and $300,000. Picture: Supplied
25/38And let’s not forget: Tom Blyth was also largely unknown when he was cast as young Snow in The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and that turned out pretty well. Zaya is expected to earn between $100,000 and $300,000. Picture: Supplied
Mags Flanagan. I fell for her the moment I fell for Finnick, and it felt like a true gift that Suzanne Collins gave us a glimpse of the nurturing, selfless mentor we always imagined she was. She was originally played by stage and screen legend Lynn Cohen. Picture: Supplied
26/38Mags Flanagan. I fell for her the moment I fell for Finnick, and it felt like a true gift that Suzanne Collins gave us a glimpse of the nurturing, selfless mentor we always imagined she was. She was originally played by stage and screen legend Lynn Cohen. Picture: Supplied
I honestly hadn’t pictured anyone as a young Mags - then came the reveal of Lili Taylor, an unexpected yet fitting surprise. With decades of critically acclaimed work under her belt, including standout roles in Mystic Pizza, Six Feet Under, and The Conjuring, Taylor is expected to earn between $400,000 and $900,000 for the role. Picture: Supplied
27/38I honestly hadn’t pictured anyone as a young Mags - then came the reveal of Lili Taylor, an unexpected yet fitting surprise. With decades of critically acclaimed work under her belt, including standout roles in Mystic Pizza, Six Feet Under, and The Conjuring, Taylor is expected to earn between $400,000 and $900,000 for the role. Picture: Supplied
If you haven’t read the book, Maysilee might be a fresh name, but she’s a character you’re bound to fall for fast. Picture: Instagram
28/38If you haven’t read the book, Maysilee might be a fresh name, but she’s a character you’re bound to fall for fast. Picture: Instagram
Fans of The Handmaid’s Tale commented that they “felt it in their bones” that McKenna Grace would land the role of this fiercely brave tribute. Maysilee is the ‘don’t judge a book by its privileged cover’ presence we didn’t know we needed by Haymitch’s side in the arena, and I can’t wait to see their sibling-like bond unfold on screen. It’s estimated Grace is earning between $300,000 and $700,000 for the role. Picture: Instagram
29/38Fans of The Handmaid’s Tale commented that they “felt it in their bones” that McKenna Grace would land the role of this fiercely brave tribute. Maysilee is the ‘don’t judge a book by its privileged cover’ presence we didn’t know we needed by Haymitch’s side in the arena, and I can’t wait to see their sibling-like bond unfold on screen. It’s estimated Grace is earning between $300,000 and $700,000 for the role. Picture: Instagram
“HELP, why is he hot?!” was just one of the many buzzing reactions flooding social media when Kelvin Harrison Jr. was announced as Wiress’s partner in crime, the brilliant Beetee Latier. Known for his sharp intellect and quiet intensity in roles like Luce and The Queen’s Gambit, Harrison Jr. is an inspired choice to bring to life the tech genius who famously rigs a deadly potato trap. Spoiler alert. I can’t help but wonder, is this round two of Hunger Games thirst traps? And if so, will Suzanne Collins ‘punish’ us again with another amazing book? He’s expected to earn between $500,000 and $1 million for the role. Picture: Supplied
30/38“HELP, why is he hot?!” was just one of the many buzzing reactions flooding social media when Kelvin Harrison Jr. was announced as Wiress’s partner in crime, the brilliant Beetee Latier. Known for his sharp intellect and quiet intensity in roles like Luce and The Queen’s Gambit, Harrison Jr. is an inspired choice to bring to life the tech genius who famously rigs a deadly potato trap. Spoiler alert. I can’t help but wonder, is this round two of Hunger Games thirst traps? And if so, will Suzanne Collins ‘punish’ us again with another amazing book? He’s expected to earn between $500,000 and $1 million for the role. Picture: Supplied
Beetee was originally played by Jeffrey Wright, who is just an Oscar away from an EGOT, having been nominated as Best Actor in the 2023 Academy Awards for American Fiction. Picture: Supplied
31/38Beetee was originally played by Jeffrey Wright, who is just an Oscar away from an EGOT, having been nominated as Best Actor in the 2023 Academy Awards for American Fiction. Picture: Supplied
Newcomers Louella McCoy (L) and Lou Lou (R) have me absolutely terrified - they’re so tiny! Fans were quick to point out that Molly McCann bears a striking resemblance to a young Katniss, and if you know, you know. What a sweetheart (cue the tears). And then there was Iona Bell’s reveal minutes after Louella’s. Fans joked it was as swift as the Capitol was to replace her. Absolutely SCREAMING. Picture: Instagram
32/38Newcomers Louella McCoy (L) and Lou Lou (R) have me absolutely terrified - they’re so tiny! Fans were quick to point out that Molly McCann bears a striking resemblance to a young Katniss, and if you know, you know. What a sweetheart (cue the tears). And then there was Iona Bell’s reveal minutes after Louella’s. Fans joked it was as swift as the Capitol was to replace her. Absolutely SCREAMING. Picture: Instagram
Wyatt Callow was definitely not what I was expecting! Picture: Instagram
33/38Wyatt Callow was definitely not what I was expecting! Picture: Instagram
Ben Wang first broke out in 2023 with Disney’s American Born Chinese, and he’s recently been cast as the lead in Karate Kid: Legends. Beyond that, there’s not much known about this rising star, except that he’s stepping into the role of my favourite oddball from the reaping that I never expected to root for. Picture: Supplied
34/38Ben Wang first broke out in 2023 with Disney’s American Born Chinese, and he’s recently been cast as the lead in Karate Kid: Legends. Beyond that, there’s not much known about this rising star, except that he’s stepping into the role of my favourite oddball from the reaping that I never expected to root for. Picture: Supplied
“That's kinda crazy and cool that she looks like Rachel.” Picture: Supplied
35/38“That's kinda crazy and cool that she looks like Rachel.” Picture: Supplied
Fans will know that Lenore Dove Baird, who will be portrayed by Gossip Girl reboot star Whitney Peak, isn’t exactly the Covey you should get attached to, but that won’t stop us. Picture: Instagram
36/38Fans will know that Lenore Dove Baird, who will be portrayed by Gossip Girl reboot star Whitney Peak, isn’t exactly the Covey you should get attached to, but that won’t stop us. Picture: Instagram
With whispers linking her to her possible niece, Lucy Gray, I’m fully prepared to catch every haunting similarity, and to have my heart shattered all over again in the process. Picture: Supplied
37/38With whispers linking her to her possible niece, Lucy Gray, I’m fully prepared to catch every haunting similarity, and to have my heart shattered all over again in the process. Picture: Supplied
“Please, why did this actually scare me.” The most unhinged and best reveal so far might just be the latest one, with the marketing team pulling a fast one on fans who were so deep in the world of Panem they momentarily forgot they hadn’t actually been reaped. If it weren’t limited to the US, I’d volunteer as tribute. Picture: Instagram
38/38“Please, why did this actually scare me.” The most unhinged and best reveal so far might just be the latest one, with the marketing team pulling a fast one on fans who were so deep in the world of Panem they momentarily forgot they hadn’t actually been reaped. If it weren’t limited to the US, I’d volunteer as tribute. Picture: Instagram
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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/movies/200m-blockbusters-mega-cast-stuns-world/image-gallery/5f8799fd9a80b9aac9ac53fb9df1aded