Elle Fanning has officially joined The Hunger Games universe, stepping into the role of Effie Trinket in Lionsgate’s upcoming prequel, Sunrise on the Reaping. The film adapts Suzanne Collins’ latest novel and is set 24 years before Katniss Everdeen’s story, during the 50th Hunger Games—also known as the Second Quarter Quell.

Fanning plays Effie, the eccentric Capitol escort for Haymitch Abernathy, portrayed by Joseph Zada. The star-studded cast also includes Whitney Peak, Mckenna Grace, Jesse Plemons, Maya Hawke, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Lili Taylor, Ben Wang, and Ralph Fiennes as President Snow.

Directed by franchise veteran Francis Lawrence, with a script by Billy Ray, the film follows a young Haymitch navigating a brutal arena with 48 tributes—double the usual number.

Slated for release on November 20, 2026, the prequel marks the sixth film in the billion-dollar franchise. Fanning’s casting follows her recent Cannes appearance and acclaimed role in A Complete Unknown.