Elle Fanning opens up about special role in upcoming film: 'Huge fan'

Elle Fanning recently opened up about her casting journey in The Hunger Games prequel, Sunrise on the Reaping.

The 27-year-old actress shared her excitement about landing the role of stylist Effie Trinket, admitting that she has been a "huge fan" of the character for quite some time.

In a conversation with MTV, Elle credited the Hunger Games fans, who played a huge part in her casting.

She revealed, “The studio [Lionsgate] said they were getting kind of hounded online, like, ‘Elle needs to play Effie.’”

The studio’s co-president, Erin Westerman, previously said, “She was the undeniable fan favourite from the start, and we’re honoured she answered the call.”

He added that ever since Suzanne, the author of The Hunger Games series, released the book, fans were curious about who would portray Effie.

According to them, Elle was the only actress who could “honour the legacy of Elizabeth Banks.”

In the first four films of the franchise, Elizabeth portrays Effie and even wished the Maleficent actress good luck for her role.

She sent her flowers with a note, “May the odds be in your favour.”

Though the filming hasn’t begun yet, The Great lead assured netizens that her character will “hopefully make the fans happy.”

Sunrise on the Reaping will follow Haymitch Abernathy's life leading up to and during the 50th Hunger Games.

Notably, the star-studded cast was announced in April, which includes Ralph Fiennes, McKenna Grace, Glenn Close, Billy Porter and Maya Hawke.

The film is slated for November 20, 2026.

RELATED: Elle Fanning runs with monsters in 'Predator: Badlands' trailer: watch