American Born ChinesebreakoutBen Wangis about to enter Panem, and it’s going to get emotional. While promotingKarate Kid: LegendsalongsideJackie ChanandRalph Macchio, Wang also spoke to Collider’sPerri Nemiroffabout his rising star and his upcoming role inSunrise on the Reaping, the next prequel installment in Suzanne Collins’Hunger Gamesfranchise. The film, which adapts the bestselling novel released in March 2025, focuses on the50th Hunger Gamesand tells the story of a 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy, played byJoseph Zada. Wang will play Wyatt Callow, one of the two male tributes from District 12, who participates in the 50th Hunger Games — orthe Second Quarter Quell.
Wyatt’s family were “the Booker Boys,” people who take bets in District 12, bets which also include gambling on the outcome of the Hunger Games. Wyatt was the oddsmaker of the family before being reaped for the games. Asked what quality of Wyatt he was most excited to explore, Wang explained that the character is all about duality; he told Collider:
“Oh, there’s so many. What really excited me about that character in the first place [is] he’s not what he seems. I think that’s part of the point of his character. He’s seen by his community as one thing, but he’s another thing underneath, andhe’s a contradiction. He’s a logician, but he’s got a really big heart, right?He’s supposed to be cold and calculating, but he’s actually the person who does the most illogical and selfless thing.”
That kind of internal tension should feel right at home in the morally complicated world ofThe Hunger Games, where the choices characters make are often shaped by propaganda, fear, and personal loss. If Wyatt’s arc is anything like what Wang teased, he might follow in the tradition of franchise fan-favourites like Finnick Odair or Peeta Mellark — tributes whose public personas are carefully crafted to mask how they really feel, and to manipulate public sentiment. In addition to Wang and Zada, the cast includesElle Fanningas a younger Effie Trinket,Kieran Culkinas Caesar Flickerman, andRalph Fiennesas President Snow. The story is already being hailed for its emotional weight and sharp commentary, much like Collins’ previous prequelThe Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,with the casting already being hailed as one of the most exciting for a modern blockbuster in years.
What Is ‘Karate Kid: Legends’ About?
The film follows Li Fong, played by Wang, a young kung fu prodigy from Beijing who relocates to New York City with his mother after a family tragedy. Struggling to settle with the culture shock, Li finds himself drawn back into martial arts and, under the mentorship of Mr. Han (Chan) and Daniel LaRusso (Macchio), Li trains to compete in a karate tournament, blending kung fu and Miyagi-do karate techniques to confront his rival.
Sunrise on the Reapingis set to hit theatres on June 20, 2025, withFrancis Lawrencereturning to direct.Karate Kid: Legendspremieres on June 20, 2025. Stay tuned at Collider for more.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping
