Ralph Fiennes is set to play President Coriolanus Snow in the upcoming Hunger Games prequel, "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping". The 62-year-old actor is excited to take on the role, which was previously portrayed by the late Donald Sutherland in the original Hunger Games films.

Fiennes expressed his admiration for Sutherland's portrayal of President Snow, stating, "I'm not going to try and be Donald Sutherland, because no one can be him." He also acknowledged the complexity of the character, saying, "I think the character he created is very complex... The complexity of that psychology, I hope I can echo in some way."

The actor will star alongside a talented ensemble cast, including Jesse Plemons, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Maya Hawke, Elle Fanning, and Kieran Culkin, among others. The film is set to release on November 20, 2026.

Fiennes and Sutherland previously worked together on the 2006 film "Land of the Blind", and the actor has spoken highly of his experience working with the late actor.

Producer Nina Jacobson praised Fiennes' casting, saying, "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."

Fiennes on Taking on the Iconic Role

Fiennes spoke with Entertainment Tonight about taking on the role of President Snow, saying, "I worked with Donald Sutherland once. I thought he was fantastic... Obviously big shoes to sort of stand alongside of, but he brought wonderful complexity to that part and I'm playing a slightly younger version of him. I am challenged but excited. I'm looking forward to it."

The actor also spoke with The Hollywood Reporter, stating, "Look, I'm a Donald Sutherland fan. I'm not going to try and be Donald Sutherland, because no one can be him."

Fiennes will be playing a younger version of President Snow, 24 years before the events of the original Hunger Games series. The film will explore the character's backstory and rise to power in the fictional world of Panem.

Tom Blyth portrayed a younger version of President Snow in the 2023 prequel "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes", which served as a mentor to the Hunger Games tributes.

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Stay tuned for more updates on "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping" and Ralph Fiennes' portrayal of President Snow!