The gathering came as Jennifer Lawrence confirmed that she, Woody Harrelson and Josh Hutcherson would reprise their roles from the original film series. Their return has generated renewed interest in the franchise, while the new cast has begun attracting attention through its promotional appearances and red-carpet style.
Among the evening’s biggest attractions were Elle Fanning, Mckenna Grace and Joseph Zada, who arrived in striking outfits that reflected the film’s distinctive world of extravagance, spectacle and rebellion.
Elle Fanning emerged as one of the evening’s standout fashion stars, embracing a dramatic pink look that appeared perfectly suited to her character, a younger version of Effie Trinket. The role was previously played by Elizabeth Banks, whose memorable costumes helped establish Effie as one of the franchise’s most recognisable fashion figures.
Fanning’s ensemble featured a sculptural bustier, a voluminous layered skirt and an eye-catching headpiece. The elaborate combination created a theatrical appearance that blended high fashion with the extravagant aesthetic associated with the world of Panem.
Her look also offered an early indication that the film’s promotional tour could deliver plenty of memorable fashion moments. Given Effie Trinket’s reputation for unconventional styling, Fanning’s bold outfit appeared to embrace the character’s playful and extravagant spirit.
Mckenna Grace also captured attention with a striking couture creation that blurred the line between fashion and art. The young actor, who portrays Maysilee Donner, a tribute from District 12, wore an elaborate gown by Almée Couture. The design appeared to draw inspiration from the film’s promotional imagery, particularly its green arena surrounded by mountains.
The outfit stood out for its artistic construction and dramatic presentation, making Grace one of the most talked-about young stars at the screening. Her recent red-carpet appearances have also included references to earlier leading women from the franchise, including Jennifer Lawrence and Rachel Zegler.
With the latest look, Grace continued to establish a distinctive fashion identity while paying tribute to the visual legacy of The Hunger Games.
Joseph Zada, who plays a 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy, was also among the young cast members attending the London event. His character is central to the story, which explores an earlier chapter of the franchise’s fictional history.
Whitney Peak, who portrays Lenore Dove Baird, Haymitch’s girlfriend, joined the gathering alongside Louella McCoy, another actor representing a tribute from District 12. Their presence highlighted the new generation of performers bringing the story’s characters to life.
The screening also attracted several established Hollywood names, including Glenn Close, Ralph Fiennes, Kieran Culkin and Jesse Plemons. Their involvement adds considerable star power to a film that combines familiar franchise elements with a younger cast.
Kieran Culkin brought his own distinctive style to the event, wearing a black blazer decorated with a floral design. The outfit offered a colourful contrast to the more traditional red-carpet looks and may have served as a playful nod to his character, Caesar Flickerman, the flamboyant presenter of the Hunger Games.
The character was previously portrayed by Stanley Tucci in the first four films, making Culkin’s interpretation one of the elements fans are likely to watch closely. Flickerman’s extravagant appearance and theatrical personality have long been associated with the franchise’s satirical portrayal of televised spectacle.
The London screening arrived at an important moment for the film’s publicity campaign, with the release drawing closer and attention increasingly focused on its cast, costumes and story.
The Hunger Games franchise has built a distinctive visual identity through elaborate costumes, striking production design and its contrast between the privileged world of the Capitol and the hardships endured by the districts. Red-carpet appearances inspired by that aesthetic help extend the film’s world beyond the screen.
Fanning’s theatrical pink ensemble and Grace’s artistic couture gown were particularly well suited to that tradition, while the presence of returning franchise favourites added another layer of excitement for longtime viewers.
With established Hollywood performers sharing the spotlight with emerging talent, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is shaping up to be a major moment for the franchise. As the promotional campaign continues, fans will be watching not only for more details about the film but also for the fashion statements that its stars bring to the red carpet.
The London event demonstrated that the latest chapter is already generating attention through its combination of star power, imaginative styling and connections to the beloved original series. Whether through Fanning’s dramatic interpretation of Effie Trinket or Grace’s artistic fashion choice, the cast has given audiences plenty to discuss before the film reaches cinemas.
