Banks told the new Effie “May the odds be ever in your favor,” as Fanning films the upcoming ‘Hunger Games’ prequel set for 2026.
Elle Fanning is stepping into one of the Hunger Games franchise’s most colorful roles — and she’s doing it with the blessing of the original Effie Trinket herself.
The 26-year-old actress revealed that Elizabeth Banks, who played Effie in the first four Hunger Games films, reached out with a heartfelt gesture after learning Fanning had been cast in the prequel The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping.
“She sent me these beautiful flowers and said, ‘May the odds be ever in your favor,’” Fanning told The Hollywood Reporter at the Academy Museum Gala over the weekend. “We texted a little bit. She made that role iconic and so lovable, and so I hope I can live up to what she did for the fans.”
The upcoming film is set 24 years before Katniss Everdeen’s story begins, taking place on the morning of the reaping for the 50th Hunger Games. In this chapter, Effie serves as the stylist for Haymitch Abernathy, played by Joseph Zada.
The original series, launched in 2012, saw Banks bring the Capitol escort to life with unforgettable flair and charm.
Fanning said filming is well underway and that her scenes are nearly complete. “I’m almost done with my section. Effie is on the screen now,” she shared.
Directed once again by Francis Lawrence, Sunrise on the Reaping is slated to hit theaters on November 20, 2026. The star-studded cast also features Whitney Peak, Mckenna Grace, Jesse Plemons, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Maya Hawke, Lili Taylor, Ben Wang and Ralph Fiennes as President Snow.
Fanning has credited fans for helping her land the coveted role, noting earlier this year that Lionsgate had been inundated online with messages urging the studio to cast her. “I think fans made this happen in a way,” she said at the time.
With Banks’ stamp of approval and a fanbase already backing her, Fanning is poised to bring a fresh take to one of the franchise’s most beloved characters.
