Elle Fanning Receives Blessing from Elizabeth Banks as She Steps into ‘Hunger Games’ Role
Elle Fanning is taking on the role of Effie Trinket in the upcoming Hunger Games prequel, Sunrise on the Reaping, and has received the enthusiastic support of the original Effie, elizabeth Banks. Banks reportedly sent Fanning flowers with a message of encouragement: “May the odds be ever in your favor.”
The new film, based on Suzanne Collins’ novel, is set 24 years before the events of the first Hunger Games movie, depicting the 50th Hunger Games. Fanning’s Effie will serve as the stylist for a young Haymitch Abernathy (played by Joseph Zada). Banks portrayed the older version of Effie in the original four Hunger Games films, beginning in 2012. This casting marks a continuation of the beloved character’s story and a passing of the torch between two acclaimed actresses.
Fanning shared with The Hollywood Reporter at the Academy Museum Gala on Saturday that filming is nearing completion for her portion of the movie, stating, “Effie is on the screen now.” She expressed her admiration for Banks’ iconic portrayal, adding, “She made that role iconic and so lovable and so I hope I can live up to what she did for the fans.”
Directed by Francis Lawrence, Sunrise on the Reaping also stars Whitney Peak, McKenna Grace, Jesse plemons, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Maya Hawke, Lili Taylor, ben Wang, and Ralph Fiennes as President Snow. The film is scheduled for release on November 20, 2026.
Fanning previously revealed that fan support played a role in her being cast, with the studio noting thay were “getting kind of hounded online” with requests to see her take on the role.
