Lawrence will be Katniss Everdeen and Hutcherson will return as Peeta Mellark. “But Moviefone,” we hear you ask, “the new movie takes place years before their films. How will this work?”
Simple: Suzanne Collins’ book includes an epilogue set during Katniss and Peeta’s time where they appear with Haymitch (which suggests Woody Harrelson, who plays the older Haymitch, will also make an appearance, although his voice does appear in the teaser trailer.)
What’s the story of ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’?
Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy in ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’. Photo Credit: Murray Close.
While the previous prequel took place 64 years before the events of the original trilogy, ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ is set 24 years before that trio of original films in the world of Panem, commencing on the morning of the reaping of the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell.
Those games are an important event in the canon as the victor was Haymitch Abernathy, the only winner from District 12 before Lawrence’s Everdeen and Hutcherson’s Mellark’s tie win. Haymitch continues on to become a mentor, a character in the original movies played by Harrelson.
Who else has been cast in ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’?
(L to R) Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy and McKenna Grace as Maysilee Donner in ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’. Photo Credit: Murray Close.
The cast already includes included Joseph Zada and Whitney Peak, who will play Haymitch Abernathy and the woman he loves, Lenore Dove Baird.
In addition to the two leads, we also now know that McKenna Grace, who has appeared in the recent ‘Ghostbusters’ movies, will be in the movie as Maysilee Donner, Haymitch’s fellow District 12 Tribute, while Jesse Plemons has the role of Plutarch Heavensbee, as brought to life by Philip Seymour Hoffman in the original movies.
Ralph Fiennes is the calculating President Snow while Kieran Culkin will be Caesar Flickerman (the eccentric host character played in the first film series by Stanley Tucci.)
Elle Fanning is on to be a younger Effie Trinket; the effusive stylist as portrayed by Elizabeth Banks in the original ‘Hunger Games’ movies.
Glenn Close is Sickle, the cruel escort to the District 12 Tributes, and Billy Porter is playing Magno Stift is her estranged husband and the Tributes’ uninspired designer.
When will ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ be in theaters?
Lionsgate will have the new movie in theaters on November 20th, 2026.
(L to R) Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird and Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy in ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’. Photo Credit: Murray Close.
In theaters on October 31st is ‘Bugonia’, which finds Jesse Plemons as Teddy, a man convinced that extraterrestrials from Andromeda have been strategically destroying the human race (and bees) and kidnaps a woman (Emma Stone’s Michelle) he believes is one of the marauding aliens.
At this point, we both know what to predict from a Yorgos Lanthimos movie –– weirdness in abundance, but with a moral core –– and also to expect the unexpected as the Greek filmmaker goes in different directions for his work.
Here, re-teaming for a fourth time with Emma Stone and a second with Jesse Plemons (who appeared in last year’s ‘Kinds of Kindness’, he’s found a suitable subject re-making 2003 Korean conspiracy thriller/dark comedy ‘Save the Green Planet!’
Written by Will Tracy, a ‘Succession’ veteran whose big screen work also includes 2022’s ‘The Menu’, ‘Bugonia’ adapts Jang Joon-hwan’s original script into something that works for both international audiences and Lanthimos’ own sensibilities.
While it occasionally lags in pace, it largely keeps the shocks and the laughs coming, and has you guessing whether Stone’s character really is from another planet or if Plemons is simply supremely delusional.
Lanthimos, working again with cinematographer Robbie Ryan, keeps things mostly grounded, letting the performances do the heavy lifting, but adding in stylish touches that help tell the story.
Stone and Plemons are the focus here, with Stone as hard-charging businesswoman who is by turns icily logical and desperately emotional depending on the situation. She really has found a great collaborator in the director, who keeps pushing her in fascinating new directions.
Plemons, meanwhile, also flourishes, feasting on the role of the twitchy, tortured, lank-haired lead, a man convinced his theories are correct even in the face of mounting evidence to the contrary.
But there’s great work too from newcomer Aidan Delbis as Teddy’s cousin/sidekick Don, a young man on the autism spectrum who really wants to go along with Teddy’s plans, but has such a sweet naiveté to how he sees the word.
‘Bugonia’ has more on its mind than the basic clash of conspiracy thriller and farcical comedy you might have predicted, including meditations on the machinations of big pharma and the dire condition of the Earth’s climate.
But it’s all so wrapped in effective entertainment that it never feels like a lecture.
‘Bugonia’ receives 85 out of 100.
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What’s the story of ‘Bugonia’?
Two conspiracy-obsessed young men kidnap the high-powered CEO of a major company, convinced that she is an alien intent on destroying planet Earth.
Glenn Close and Billy Porter are the latest addition to the new ‘Hunger Games’ prequel.
Jhaleil Swaby is also aboard, playing the character of Panache.
Francis Lawrence is again directing the movie.
While the cameras are now rolling on the new ‘Hunger Games’ franchise entry, prequel offering ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’, you might think that the stream of casting would dry up. You’d be mistaken!
Here’s ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’ producer Nina Jacobson on Close’s casting:
“Glenn Close is a dream Drusilla. She brings so much of her intellect and imagination to each role, creating characters who are unforgettable and iconic. I think Glenn and Francis will have a ball bringing Drusilla from the page to the screen.”
And regarding Porter:
“Billy is one of those rare performers who can dazzle and devastate in equal measure on stage and screen. He made an indelible impression on me when we worked together on Pose, both as an actor and a human being. Casting this show has felt like winning the lottery every time one of our idols said yes to us.”
What’s the story of ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’?
‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ is scheduled for release on November 20, 2026. Photo: Lionsgate.
While the previous prequel took place 64 years before the events of the original trilogy, ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ is set 24 years before that trio of Jennifer Lawrence films in the world of Panem, commencing on the morning of the reaping of the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell.
Those games are an important event in the canon as the victor was Haymitch Abernathy, the only winner from District 12 before Lawrence’s Katniss Everdeen and Josh Hutcherson’s Peeta Mellark’s tie win. Haymitch continues on to become a mentor, a character in the original movies played by Woody Harrelson.
Who else has been cast in ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’?
(Left) Joseph Zada to star as Haymitch Abernathy in ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’. Photo credit: Hugh Stewart. (Right) Whitney Peak to star as Lenore Dove Bard in ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’. Photo: Kate Whyte.
The cast also includes Joseph Zada and Whitney Peak, who will play Haymitch Abernathy and the woman he loves, Lenore Dove Baird.
In addition to the two leads, we also now know that McKenna Grace, who has appeared in the recent ‘Ghostbusters’ movies, will be in the movie as Maysilee Donner, Haymitch’s fellow District 12 Tribute, while Jesse Plemons has the role of Plutarch Heavensbee, as brought to life by Philip Seymour Hoffman in the original movies.
Finally, recent Academy Award winner Kieran Culkin is to play Caesar Flickerman (the eccentric host character played in the first film series by Stanley Tucci).
As for the new additions?
Close’s Sickle is the cruel escort to the District 12 Tributes, while Porter’s Stift is her estranged husband and the Tributes’ uninspired designer.
Swaby’s Panache, meanwhile is a crude and aggressive career tribute from District 1, known for his arrogance and ruthlessness.
‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’: Collins and the filmmakers talk
Director Francis Lawrence in ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.’ Photo Credit: Murray Close.
Here’s Suzanne Collins’ statement on the new book and movie:
“With ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’, I was inspired by David Hume’s idea of implicit submission and, in his words, ‘the easiness with which the many are governed by the few… The story also lent itself to a deeper dive into the use of propaganda and the power of those who control the narrative. The question ‘Real or not real?’ seems more pressing to me every day. From the beginning, Lionsgate has been a wonderful home and partner for the ‘Hunger Games’ franchise, and I’m very excited to be collaborating with Adam and the team as we bring this next story to theaters in 2026.”
And here’s Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chair Adam Fogelson:
“Suzanne Collins is a master storyteller and our creative north star. We couldn’t be more fortunate than to be guided and trusted by a collaborator whose talent and imagination are so consistently brilliant. We know ‘Hunger Games’ fans worldwide will be spellbound by where Suzanne has focused this next extraordinary story. The Second Quarter Quell is legendary and looms large over the history of the Games, even into the time of Katniss Everdeen a quarter-century later. Like fans around the globe, we are eagerly anticipating this exciting return to Panem.”
When will ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ be in theaters?
Lionsgate will have the new movie in theaters on November 20th, 2026.
‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ opens in theaters on November 20, 2026.
(Left) Ralph Fiennes. Photo: Jeff Spicer/Getty Images. (Center) Maya Hawke. Photo: Trevor Tweeten. (Right) Lili Taylor. Photo: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for The National Audubon Society.
Preview:
Ralph Fiennes will be President Snow in the new ‘Hunger Games’ prequel.
Maya Hawke, Lili Taylor and Kelvin Harrison Jr. are also joining the cast.
The movie is set 24 years before the main movies.
Though we’ve been seeing a drip feed casting process for the new prequel to ‘The Hunger Games’ –– that would be ‘Sunrise on the Reaping,’ in case it had somehow slipped your mind –– that turned into something of a torrent this week with a slew of new announcements.
This is what producer Nina Jacobson of Color Force had to say about the new casting:
“We wanted to honor Donald Sutherland by having one of this generation’s greatest actors play President Snow 24 years before Katniss Everdeen entered the arena. Working with Ralph has been on my bucket list since he traumatized me for life in ‘Schindler’s List.’ It’s genuinely a thrill to welcome him to the Hunger Games.”
Ben Wang in Columbia Pictures ‘Karate Kid: Legends’. Photo: Sony Pictures.
And that’s not all! Maya Hawke, most recently seen in ‘Maestro’ and ‘The Kill Room’ and who provided the voice of Anxiety in ‘Inside Out 2,’ will be Wiress, former Hunger Games champion–turned–District 12 mentor.
Last, and by no means least among the newcomers (in franchise terms) is Kelvin Harrison, Jr., last seen in ‘O’Dessa,’ who Jeff Sneider reports will be Beetee Latier, champion of the 34th Hunger Games and father of Ampert Latier, who is a Tribute in the new movie. Fun fact: Jeffrey Wright played Beetee in three of the original movies.
Franchise veteran Francis Lawrence is directing once again from a script by Billy Ray, and the cameras are now rolling.
What’s the story of ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’?
‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ is scheduled for release on November 20, 2026. Photo: Lionsgate.
While the previous prequel took place 64 years before the events of the original trilogy, ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ is set 24 years before that trio of Jennifer Lawrence films in the world of Panem, commencing on the morning of the reaping of the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell.
Those games are an important event in the canon as the victor was Haymitch Abernathy, the only winner from District 12 before Lawrence’s Katniss Everdeen and Josh Hutcherson’s Peeta Mellark’s tie win. Haymitch continues on to become a mentor, a character in the original movies played by Woody Harrelson.
Who else has been cast in ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’?
(Left) Joseph Zada to star as Haymitch Abernathy in ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’. Photo credit: Hugh Stewart. (Right) Whitney Peak to star as Lenore Dove Bard in ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’. Photo: Kate Whyte.
These new arrivals bolster a cast that already included Joseph Zada and Whitney Peak, who will play Haymitch Abernathy and the woman he loves, Lenore Dove Baird.
In addition to the two leads, we also now know that McKenna Grace, who has appeared in the recent ‘Ghostbusters’ movies, will be in the movie as Maysilee Donner, Haymitch’s fellow District 12 Tribute, while Jesse Plemons has the role of Plutarch Heavensbee, as brought to life by Philip Seymour Hoffman in the original movies.
Fiennes’ casting resolves one rumor –– there has still been chatter about recent Academy Award winner Kieran Culkin mulling an offer to play Caesar Flickerman (the eccentric host character played in the first film series by Stanley Tucci.) Nothing official has been announced about that yet, so we can only assume a deal is still being worked on if at all.
Elle Fanning has also been linked with the role of a younger Effie Trinket; the effusive stylist as portrayed by Elizabeth Banks in the original ‘Hunger Games’ movies. But that has yet to be confirmed.
‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’: Collins and the filmmakers talk
Director Francis Lawrence in ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.’ Photo Credit: Murray Close.
Here’s Suzanne Collins’ statement on the new book and movie:
“With ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’, I was inspired by David Hume’s idea of implicit submission and, in his words, ‘the easiness with which the many are governed by the few… The story also lent itself to a deeper dive into the use of propaganda and the power of those who control the narrative. The question ‘Real or not real?’ seems more pressing to me every day. From the beginning, Lionsgate has been a wonderful home and partner for the ‘Hunger Games’ franchise, and I’m very excited to be collaborating with Adam and the team as we bring this next story to theaters in 2026.”
And here’s Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chair Adam Fogelson:
“Suzanne Collins is a master storyteller and our creative north star. We couldn’t be more fortunate than to be guided and trusted by a collaborator whose talent and imagination are so consistently brilliant. We know ‘Hunger Games’ fans worldwide will be spellbound by where Suzanne has focused this next extraordinary story. The Second Quarter Quell is legendary and looms large over the history of the Games, even into the time of Katniss Everdeen a quarter-century later. Like fans around the globe, we are eagerly anticipating this exciting return to Panem.”
When will ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ be in theaters?
Lionsgate wants the new movie in theaters on November 20th, 2026.
‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ opens in theaters on November 20, 2026.
Premiering on Netflix on February 20th, ‘Zero Day’ ponders how America might react to a catastrophic cyber-attack on its services, transport and technology, with the lingering threat of another.
Big questions are asked, as they always are, about how personal freedom could be compromised in the search for safety, and how much the country’s elected leaders must answer to the general public for their actions in times of crisis and beyond.
Beyond a TV movie about Bernie Madoff and a quirky, little-seen Italian comedy series from a couple of years ago, Robert De Niro’s primary contributions to TV have been as an executive producer on a handful of shows.
But we live in an age when actors of any stature are lured by prestige small screen productions (and we’re sure the healthy paycheck from Netflix’s deep pockets didn’t hurt). Here, the man who made his name playing angry young men and his since transitioned to acting as compromised authority figures or senior mob figures, takes on a timely and careworn role as a former politician forced into an impossible situation.
Boasting Eric Newman, Noah Oppenheim and Michael S. Schmidt as its co-creators and executive producers, you knew the shows wasn’t completely going to be a first-base exploration of the issues surrounding presidential (or in this case former presidential) power and the sacrifices in morals and ethics that are made in the name of patriotism and safety.
With the space to breathe that a limited series provides in place of a movie, there is the chance to explore more about the central figure especially, and De Niro’s Mullen is a complicated man, a decorated veteran and (mostly) beloved former President who resigned after the death of his son –– but if you thought that was all there was to it, you’ve clearly never seen a movie or show such as this before.
And yet if we’re honest, this show is more about the driving plot that truly deep characterizations. We learn some about other players on the show (including Mullen’s wife and bitter politico daughter), but for the most part it’s getting us to the next revelation. Which is also a key element of these sorts of stories.
It’s smartly told, though at least one “surprise” was something you’ll see coming from several miles away, not least because of the casting. And the actual plot line, about a one-minute-long attack on vital services that has echoes of 9/11, is perfunctory, but works well enough.
‘Homeland’ veteran Lesli Linka Glatter, meanwhile, is show’s only director and also executive producer and brings a sense of steel and weight to the proceedings.
Netflix certainly gave the team the budget to make this one look slick, though if you’re after pulse-pounding action, that’ s again not really what the show is about. There are a few set pieces, but the driving force here is people in offices talking about the next step or accusing each other of cover-ups/betrayals.
If you’ve got Robert De Niro agreeing to star in your limited series, of course you’re going to give him something meaty to chew on. President Mullen here is a layered character, a man who tried to do the right thing in office, but here finds himself much more compromised given the shifting political tones of the day.
And he’s also someone who is starting to suffer the maladies of his age –– while he’s concerned about someone using a secretive weapon against him that is disrupting his mind, the series is smart enough to keep us guessing as to whether it’s just someone whose faculties are going.
Around De Niro we have Joan Allen as his wife, Sheila, who mostly has the steadfast role to play in his life, but does have some shades of her own, including the fact that she’s running for a supreme court role. Then there’s Alexandra Mullen (Lizzy Caplan), who has a troubled relationship with her father, especially since he tried to stop her going into politics herself (she’s a congressional representative these days). Caplan is good in the role, though her character is written in somewhat predictable fashion.
Then we have the fixer characters, particularly Connie Britton as Valerie Whitesell (who once served in the White House) and Roger Carlson (Jesse Plemons), who is close to Mullen but also has dodgy business connections. They’re both excellent in their roles, calculated and charming in equal measure.
Angela Bassett, meanwhile, is President Evelyn Mitchell, the current head of state, but though she has a couple of decent scenes (which Bassett naturally knocks out of the park), it’s not much of a role.
Finally, there is ambitious Speaker of the House Richard Dreyer, played by Matthew Modine. No fan of Mullen’s, he’s pushing for further action to be taken and has his own agenda.
Released at a time when the federal government is not, shall we say operating at peak efficiency (despite what the people in charge might say), ‘Zero Day’ feels like an eerily prescient peek into what could happen (though we don’t see Joe Biden stepping up to run an investigative commission if it did) and a decently diverting thriller series that has its share of genre tropes but doesn’t lean too heavily into them.
As Robert De Niro’s first big American TV series (well, miniseries), it’s not always worthy of his presence, but it works when it needs to.
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What’s the plot of ‘Zero Day’?
Robert De Niro stars as respected former U.S. President George Mullen, who, as head of the Zero Day Commission, is charged with finding the perpetrators of a devastating cyber-attack that has caused chaos around the country and thousands of fatalities.
As disinformation runs rampant and the personal ambition of power brokers in technology, Wall Street, and government collide, Mullen’s unwavering search for the truth forces him to confront his own dark secrets while risking all he holds dear.
Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Joan Allen about her work on ‘Zero Day’, his first reaction to the project, her character’s relationship with her husband, working with Robert De Niro and the rest of the cast, and the importance of having one director for the entire series.
You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interviews with Allen, Matthew Modine, director by Lesli Linka Glatter, and showrunners Eric Newman and Noah Oppenheim.
Moviefone: To begin with, what was your first reaction to this project and the opportunity to play this character?
Joan Allen: I thought the writing was terrific and that Robert De Niro was playing the main character, who I had admired so much for all my years as an actor. It was very exciting, and I loved our wonderful director, Lesli Glatter. When I met and spoke with her, she was incredibly inspiring and I was like, “I want to work with that lady.”
MF: Can you talk about George and Sheila’s marriage and how she supports him throughout the series?
JA: They are a team and Lesli emphasized that, and I really liked that as we were playing the scenes. He trusts her as maybe his most trusted confidant and adviser. I think she believes she’s not afraid to share her opinions with him. She also respects and admires him and believed in his presidency and the policies that he put forth. So, I think they’re a team and I would say not even that she supports him, they support each other. They work together is what it felt like and it’s a great relationship.
MF: What is Robert De Niro like to have as a scene partner?
JA: He’s just the best. I mean, there were wonderful actors in the entire series and he’s just incredibly generous, open, giving, and very obviously incredibly smart in terms of what the scene is about and he’s just a wonderful collaborator. It was just a joy to be with him every day.
MF: The series features an extraordinary cast of actors. What was it like for you to work with this ensemble?
JA: I just was so happy every day. I was so happy to come to work. They are lovely, wonderful actors, terrific human beings and great people. We just had had a fantastic time working. It was just a joy. They were all such fine actors, and I was glad to be to be working with them. I was very grateful.
MF: Finally, what was it like working with director Lesli Linka Glatter and was it helpful to have the same person directing the entire series?
JA: It was very grounding for me, very grounding and made me feel extremely safe because it was cohesive. So, you’re not going back and forth and dealing with talking with showrunners, et cetera. It’s like, there’s an anchor. She’s always going to be there. She’s incredibly prepared, knowledgeable, and on her game. It’s great to go to work knowing my director is there and you build a communication. It builds as you spend more time together and knowing that she was going to be there for the whole duration, made an enormous difference to me.
VJXaY1ltAWlRduERCZmfw2
What’s the plot of ‘Zero Day’?
Robert De Niro stars as respected former U.S. President George Mullen, who, as head of the Zero Day Commission, is charged with finding the perpetrators of a devastating cyber-attack that has caused chaos around the country and thousands of fatalities.
As disinformation runs rampant and the personal ambition of power brokers in technology, Wall Street, and government collide, Mullen’s unwavering search for the truth forces him to confront his own dark secrets while risking all he holds dear.
The first pictures of Robert De Niro in ‘Zero Day’ have arrived.
He’s playing a former President who must investigate a cyber-attack.
Eric Newman and Noah Oppenheim created the show, with Lesli Linka Glatter directing.
While movie icon Robert De Niro has certainly guested on his fair share of TV series (‘30 Rock,’ ‘Extras’) and more recently had a bigger role in Argentinian miniseries ‘Nada,’ he’s better known for producing a variety of shows.
But with ‘Zero Day,’ a new Netflix thriller series, he’s stepping up to star in his first Stateside show, agreeing to both lead and serve as an executive producer on the show.
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Created by Eric Newman (who has produced a metric ton of movies and shows and worked on the likes of ‘Griselda’ and the ‘Narcos’ series for Netflix), Noah Oppenheim (who swapped a career in TV news to work on shows and movies) and Pulitzer Prize winner Michael S. Schmidt, it tracks the aftermath of a devastating attack on the United States, and the man leading the investigation into what was really behind it.
Here’s what Newman told Netflix’s Tudum sight about the collaboration with the acting legend that is De Niro:
“As a lifelong fan of American cinema, no actor looms larger for me than Robert De Niro. To have him as a producing partner and star in this show is beyond our wildest dreams. I’m grateful to Netflix for their continued faith and support and thrilled to be in business with the amazing creative team of Noah, Lesli, and Jonathan [Glickman] on this timely (and terrifying) series.”
The new series follows respected former U.S. President George Mullen (De Niro), who, as head of the Zero Day Commission, is charged with finding the perpetrators of a devastating cyber-attack that has caused chaos around the country and thousands of fatalities.
As disinformation runs rampant and the personal ambition of power brokers in technology, Wall Street, and government collide, Mullen’s unwavering search for the truth forces him to confront his own dark secrets while risking all he holds dear.
Lest you think he’s just picking up a paycheck on this one, De Niro was, according to Newman, truly involved:
“De Niro very much became our partner in this process — very hands-on, very involved, read everything at every stage, and it’s been an incredible honor and privilege. You can count on one hand the actors and actresses in history who bring this level of gravitas, pedigree, and talent to their work.”
Angela Bassett is President Evelyn Mitchell, the current president of the United States. Mitchell is a brilliant and perceptive political tactician who hires Mullen to take on an unprecedented role in American history.
Jesse Plemons is Roger Carlson, George Mullen’s former aide. Roger is now a trusted fixer and an unabashed hustler who’s seeking a return to the national stage alongside Mullen.
Lizzy Caplan is Alexandra Mullen, a young congresswoman from New York who’s worked hard to distance herself from her father’s political legacy and establish herself in her own right.
Connie Britton is Valerie Whitesell, a savvy, intelligent political operative and Mullen’s former chief of staff who returns to public life to oversee Mullen’s new role back in the spotlight.
Joan Allen is Sheila Mullen, former first lady and nominee to the federal bench. Elegant and always poised, Sheila is a supportive and present wife and mother with strong professional ambitions of her own — and she’s nobody’s fool.
Matthew Modine is Richard Dreyer, a confident, colorful public figure. As the speaker of the house, he’s an adept politician.
Bill Camp is CIA Director Jeremy Lasch, the ultimate insider who seems to know everyone’s secret. He can either be a dangerous enemy or a valuable friend to Mullen and everyone in his circle.
Dan Stevens is Evan Green, the charismatic, calculating, and divisive host of a wildly popular political TV show who becomes a thorn in George Mullen’s side as his loudest critic and chief public antagonist.
Gaby Hoffmann is Monica Kidder, a controversial Silicon Valley billionaire whose brilliant vision and technological domination has the power to help or hinder Mullen’s investigation.
Clark Gregg is Robert Lyndon, a corporate raider, provocateur, and billionaire who has mastered the dark arts of political manipulation.
Mark Ivanir is Natan, an intelligence operative and Mullen confidant from an era when intelligence — and trust — still mattered.
When will ‘Zero Day’ be on screens?
Netflix will launch all six hour-long episodes of the show on February 20th next year.
(Left) John Goodman in ‘The Big Lebowski’. Photo: Gramercy Pictures. (Center) Jesse Plemons in ‘Kinds of Kindness’. Photo: Searchlight Pictures. (Right) Riz Ahmed in ‘Sound of Metal’. Photo: Amazon Studios.
Preview:
John Goodman, Jesse Plemons, Riz Ahmed and more are joining a new Tom Cruise movie.
Alejandro G. Iñárritu is in the director’s chair.
The movie will focus on a powerful man looking to prove he’s humanity’s savior.
Word broke back in March that Tom Cruise –– who has spent the last few years focused almost entirely on making the latest two ‘Mission: Impossible’ movies (the next will be out in 2025) –– had finally found something else to do other than crazy stunts as Ethan Hunt.
Under his deal at Warner Bros., Cruise boarded the new film from ‘Birdman’ and ‘The Revenant’ director Alejandro G. Iñárritu, though details were scant at the time.
Per Deadline, the new film is something the director co-wrote with Sabina Berman, Alexander Dinelaris and Nicolas Giacobone, and focuses on the most powerful man in the world (we’ll go ahead and assume that’s who Cruise will play, but there’s no official word on that yet), who embarks on a frantic mission to prove he is humanity’s savior before the disaster he’s unleashed destroys everything.
In addition to starring, Cruise will also produce the new movie.
What about the new cast for the Iñárritu/Cruise movie?
2023’s ‘Anatomy of a Fall.’ Photo: Le Pacte.
The filmmaker has gathered quite the assortment for this new project, which isn’t surprising given that he’s won (and steered actors to) several Oscars in his time.
Goodman, of course, needs little introduction as he’s been a working actor for years, currently to be found leading the cast of ‘Roseanne’ sitcom ‘The Conners’.
Hüller is best known for starring in last year’s ‘Anatomy of a Fall’, for which she was nominated for an Oscar and won several other awards.
Stuhlbarg is a character acting and supporting stalwart who most recently cropped up in Apple’s ‘The Instigators’.
Ahmed won an Oscar for live-action short film ‘The Long Goodbye’ and nominated for another starring in ‘Sound of Metal’.
And finally, Wilde is perhaps not as well-known as the others, but did good work in horror movie ‘Talk to Me’ last year. She’s also been seen in ‘Everything Now’ and a miniseries called ‘Boy Swallows World’.
When will Iñárritu’s new movie be on screens?
There are no details about the new movie’s release, which is a co-production of Warner Bros. and Legendary. But you’d have to figure it’ll take aim at awards season next year given the talent involved.
(L to R) Kirsten Dunst and Cailee Spaeny in ‘Civil War.’ Photo: A24.
A24’s ‘Civil War’ takes a terrifying look at what would happen if the United States became fractured. The film follows a group of journalists who are determined to witness history no matter the cost – with chaos and fright at every corner.
While the movie seems inspired by the current political climate, it does not tell the story from either the left or the right. Rather, Garland focused on the battles between the citizens of the United States.
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Where Can I Watch ‘Civil War’?
Kirsten Dunst in ‘Civil War.’ Photo: A24.
The film premiered at SXSW on March 14, 2024, garnering positive reactions from critics and audiences alike. Originally scheduled for an April 26 release, ‘Civil War’ arrived in theaters on April 12. The film’s budget of $50 million makes it the most expensive movie to be released by A24. Since its release, it has grossed over $114.3 million worldwide. The movie has a runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes.
Garland’s action-thriller became available on digital platforms as of May 24, 2024. Missed it in theaters? Now you can enjoy all the action from home – rent for $19.99 or purchase for $24.99 on VOD platforms such as Apple TV, Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube, and Vudu.
‘Civil War’ presents California and Texas as a united force, which seems an unlikely alliance given how far they are apart politically. However, Garland does not tell the story from either side of the political aisle. The director intends for the film to start conversations and spark debates.
The cast has also spoken on the topic. “The whole movie is open to interpretation,” said Dunst in an interview with Variety. Nick Offerman calls the movie “a brilliant piece of fiction” at the film’s premiere and says that his depiction of the President of the United States isn’t based on current or former presidents, “When you see the movie, it’s so unattached to anything in modern politics, not only in your country but any country.”
For physical media lovers, the action-thriller will be available on DVD, Blu-ray, and 4K UHD on July 9, 2024, and will include special features such as:
Torn Asunder: Waging Alex Garland’s ‘Civil War’ Six-Part Documentary
Theatrical trailer
Those who purchase the physical copy from Amazon will also receive an Amazon Blu-ray Exclusive special feature with their copy – a Q&A with the cast and director.
In a near-future America, the United States has collapsed into civil war as different factions prepare for a final assault on Washington D.C. to unseat the President. A small band of journalists race across a once-familiar and now-dangerous country to get to the frontline and witness what happens.
Who’s In the Cast of ‘Civil War’
Kirsten Dunst as Lee Smith
Wagner Moura as Joel
Cailee Spaeny as Jessie
Stephen McKinley Henderson as Sammy
Nick Offerman as the President of the United States
Opening in theaters in limited release on June 21st before opening wide on June 28th is the new anthology film from Oscar-nominated writer and director Yorgos Lanthimos (‘The Favourite’ and ‘Poor Things’) entitled ‘Kinds of Kindness’.
Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Joe Alwyn and Mamoudou Athie about their work on ‘Kinds of Kindness’, their first reaction to the unusual screenplay, the challenges of playing three different characters in three separate stories, working with Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons, and collaborating with director Yorgos Lanthimos on set.
You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interviews.
Moviefone: To begin with, Joe, can you talk about your first reaction to reading this screenplay and what did you think of the idea of telling three different stories all with the same cast?
Joe Alwyn: When I first read it, it’s unlike anything I’ve read. I was so intrigued, so baffled, and so excited. The fact that it was split into these three stories as an anthology, I really liked it. It almost felt like an experiment. I don’t know if I completely got it or if I have yet completely got it. But I also really liked his idea of having, as you say, the same cast playing different roles in each one. It felt like a theater troop and there was something playful about that. I was just excited to be invited back into Yorgos’s world. I knew I’d say yes before I’d even read it.
MF: Mamoudou, was it challenging playing three different characters in the same movie?
Mamoudou Athie: Honestly, that was the least challenging thing about it. I mean, that’s just kind of part of the job. It just happened to be protracted in a period where you’re doing it back-to-back to back. But it didn’t feel like any special task. It was just three different characters that I had to work on, which I feel like we’d all done. I mean, in drama school numerous times we were working on three different things at once, and it just so happened that these all somehow tied together in the same universe. But other than that, it was creative situation for the environment and that’s it.
MF: Do you have a favorite character or segment that you worked on?
MA: Well, obviously I have the most to do on the second, so that gave me a lot of opportunity to explore and work with Yorgos and Jesse. So, I guess it’d been the second.
MF: Joe, what is it like being an actor on a Yorgos Lanthimos set?
JA: I mean, he’s brilliant. He doesn’t, in my experience, try and tackle things the way that you might conventionally think he would, or a director would. So, there isn’t really conversation about character or themes or intention or the things that you might expect. But he’s quite blunt and quite direct in a way of getting what he wants in quite a simple, instructive way, which is useful. I think he really encourages a sense of play. He keeps things very light. So even though the stories and characters are often going into dark corners, there’s a real lightness and you feel safe, you might not know exactly what it is that’s going to come out the other end, but you feel safe and willing and wanting to jump in and give it a go.
MF: Mamoudou, what was your experience like collaborating with Yorgos on set?
MA: Oh, he’s the man. I mean, I remember being very intimidated. He’s one of my favorite directors, period. I came in with a lot of reverence. I remember leaving the project like, “Oh, I should have been a lot more irreverent” because it was just so much fun, and it didn’t have to be anything. I imagine the script as kind of like a tome or a bible, but there’s a lot of leeway and there’s a lot of play, and it was just a very fun set. There was a lot of laughs, and I was surprised by how many times we were just cracking up on set.
MF: Finally, Mamoudou, what was it like working with Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons on this project?
MA: I’ve had such respect for them, and it’s always nice when people live up to what you hope. Jesse is a real actor, a real actor’s actor, he’s committed and same for Emma. Just the commitment to the work itself. Everything else is secondary. But also, it was fun and easy, and we had just chill conversations. It was just the best working environment with two actors that I could hope for.
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What is the plot of ‘Kinds of Kindness’?
‘Kinds of Kindness’ is an anthology film, with three separate stories that are only loosely connected. The first tells of a man (Jesse Plemons) whose life is dominated by his boss (Willem Dafoe) in extreme ways; the second follows a cop (Jesse Plemons) who is convinced that his wife (Emma Stone), who returns home after being missing and presumed dead, is not who she says she is; and in the third, two people (Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons) hit the road on behalf of a strange cult to find a woman (Margaret Qualley) who’s prophesized to have incredible powers.
Who is in the cast of ‘Kinds of Kindness’?
Emma Stone as Rita / Liz / Emily
Jesse Plemons as Robert / Daniel / Andrew
Willem Dafoe as Raymond / George / Omi
Margaret Qualley as Vivian / Martha / Ruth and Rebecca
