> At a Glance
> – Elle Fanning plays young Effie Trinket in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping
> – The 27-year-old actress calls herself an “O.G. film fan” of the franchise
> – She took “a lot of selfies” in costume on set
> – Why it matters: The second prequel film hits theaters Nov. 20, 2026, and Fanning’s enthusiasm signals strong fan reception
Elle Fanning is stepping into Effie Trinket’s colorful shoes-and she’s doing it with pure fandom. Speaking exclusively to News Of Los Angeles at the Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards on Jan. 3, the actress revealed her deep love for Panem and teased a phone full of behind-the-scenes selfies.
Fanning’s Panem Passion
Fanning, 27, didn’t hold back her affection for the dystopian world. “I love Panem,” she told Jonathan P. Miller. “I mean, I am a big like O.G. film fan, you know? I love the movies. They’re very comforting to me. They’re such a great plane watch … just watch them all back to back.”
She added, “That world is so great. The acting is so great. And I got a little taste of some good costumes … I have a lot of selfies on my phone.”
The New Effie Trinket
In Sunrise on the Reaping, Fanning portrays a 20-something Effie Trinket, the role originally made famous by Elizabeth Banks, 51. The film serves as the second prequel following 2023’s The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and is set to release Nov. 20, 2026.
Banks gave her stamp of approval in May, saying, “I’m super excited. I texted the producers as well, and I think she’s perfect. I think everyone’s really happy. And I’m really happy about that. I’m excited for the next generation to have their Effie.”
Key Takeaways
- Fanning is a longtime Hunger Games fan and calls the films “comforting”
- She took numerous selfies while in costume as young Effie
- Sunrise on the Reaping continues the franchise’s expansion with a new generation
- Elizabeth Banks has publicly praised Fanning’s casting
With Fanning’s enthusiasm and Banks’ blessing, Sunrise on the Reaping is shaping up to be a must-watch for fans old and new.
