Hunger Games prequel launches open casting call - but there's one catch

Have you ever dreamed of entering the fictional world of Panem? Lionsgate Studios put out an open casting call for fans to become the latest addition to the hotly anticipated - and let's just say, the have been interesting.

On X, the studio wrote: “Your turn. This is an official casting call: one lucky fan will be selected for a role in Sunrise on the Reaping. To audition, show us your best: act out a scene, perform a song, or surprise us with something completely new. All talents welcome. No previous experience necessary.”

As the latest addition to the Hunger Games franchise by Suzanne Collins, Sunrise on the Reaping is a prequel centred on the fan favourite character mentor Haymitch, and is set to be made into a major motion picture in 2026. The star-studded cast already includes household names like Elle Fanning and Oscar-nominated Kieran Culkin.

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Lionsgate have stated that judging for the auditions will begin “on or around June 7”, and will factor in three key criteria: 25% acting ability, 25% charisma and 50% thematic relevance. As well as the possibility to appear on-screen, the prize includes an on-set visit with a guest.

Now, all over TikTok, users have been throwing their best effort to make it big. And judging by the auditions, it appears there are three particular phrases that Hunger Games fans took to heart: all talents welcome, no previous experience necessary, and “surprise us”.

One of the most viral auditions so far was made by hopeful starlet @jwalkerbooks. In an explosive (literally) audition, she emerged from a fridge door to the visual effect of flames, holding none other than a bottle of milk.

“My audition for SOTR (as President Snow's milk),” she wrote. In the caption, she added: “I can be 2%, 1%, whole whatever you need.” One commenter attempted to rename the franchise’s famous catchphrase, “Fire is catching? No. Milk is spilling.”

It’s not the only food item that fans have been eager to play. Another fan auditioned to become “one of the google eggs Katniss brings Haymitch”, by appearing next to a bowl of eggs in her kitchen.

In fairness, some auditions have displayed real talent. User @simplystephjaye showed off skills Peeta himself would be envious of after auditioning “for a tribute who uses camouflage to hide in the hunger games”. She then proceeded to film herself standing against a wall covered in wallpaper.

Some strong acting and script-writing skills have been displayed too. TikTokker @oyesebastien caught the ’s attention after auditioning to be a District One tribute (aka one of the antagonists). Strolling in front of the camera, he proceeded to let out a menacing growl, before saying his now-famous line, “What was your name again? Haymitch? More like, hey b---h!”

Of course, the standard of the auditions have left many doubtful whether Lionsgate could actually hire one of the many hopefuls. Regardless, some TikTok comments have been pointing out that it is pretty clever marketing, with many of the auditions gaining millions of views.

Unfortunately, not all fans are happy with the casting call. According to the official rules of the competition only legal residents from one of the 50 US states can compete. Which has left non-American fans with dreams of hitting the big screen a little deflated.

Dutch influencer posted an audition “from district 12 (Europe)”, in spite of the rules. Other commenters were quick to commiserate. “crying from ,” one wrote. “We’re district 13, they’ve forgotten our existence,” another added.