Elle Fanning Cast as Young Effie Trinket in Hunger Games Prequel with Elizabeth Banks' Support

Elle Fanning has been cast as the young Effie Trinket in the upcoming Hunger Games prequel film, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, which takes place 24 years before the original series. Elizabeth Banks, who portrayed Effie in the original Hunger Games films, has warmly endorsed Fanning's casting, sending her flowers and encouraging her with the phrase, "May the odds be ever in your favor." Fanning expressed her admiration for Banks' iconic portrayal and hopes to live up to fans' expectations. Filming is underway, with Fanning nearly finished with her scenes, and the movie is directed by Francis Lawrence, featuring a cast including Joseph Zada, Whitney Peak, Maya Hawke, and Ralph Fiennes. The story follows Haymitch Abernathy's participation in the 50th Hunger Games, exploring the Capitol's secrets and the cost of rebellion. Fanning credited fan support as instrumental in her landing the role, noting that fans actively campaigned for her casting online.