Kieran Culkin receives backlash for strange reaction to landing role in Hunger Games prequel

With his unforgettable performance as Roman Roy on the famous series Succession, as well as his role as the lesser-known McAllister brother in Home Alone, Kieran Culkin is recognized for his dry wit.

For years now in various interviews and speeches, he’s made countless ‘jokes’ about not caring about his job or not knowing what he’s doing. 

Known for his sarcastic comments about award nominations and advising fans to set higher standards than calling him their favorite actor, he once humorously suggested that he used the possibility of winning an Oscar as leverage to persuade his wife to have more children.

In his latest display of humor, Culkin has surprised many with a bold statement regarding his upcoming portrayal of Caesar Flickerman in the Hunger Games prequel, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping.

Culkin, 42, who was confirmed to appear in the series last month, was signing autographs for fans outside of his Broadway play, Glengarry Glen Ross, when he made the comment.

A fan, recording Culkin, told him, ‘You’re going to an amazing Caesar Flickerman.’

‘I don’t think so,’ Culkin responded as the supporter continued, ‘I’m so excited.’

Culkin then said, ‘Lower those expectations please… please do… I have no idea what I’m going to do with that.’ 

Kieran Culkin is known for his sarcastic, dry humor during interviews and speeches

Most recently, he’s made a pretty shocking statement about his upcoming portrayal of Caesar Flickerman (seen in the original franchise) in the Hunger Games prequel

Culkin told a fan who said they were excited, ‘Lower those expectations please… please do… I have no idea what I’m going to do with that’ 

Culkin is an Oscar-winning actor, and yet his nonchalant attitude about his accomplishments is starting to rub fans the wrong way – especially when it comes to a franchise as beloved as The Hunger Games. 

Fans took to social media to share their disapproval over Culkin’s comments after the video went viral on X, formerly Twitter. 

‘This “I don’t take anything seriously” act of his has worn out its welcome’ one X user shared. 

‘This whole bit of his where he doesn’t give a f**k or care about his job is tired and annoying,’ another agreed. 

‘I thought winning one of the most undeserved Oscars ever might make him less annoying, but it didn’t,’ said someone else.

‘The pretending not to care thing is getting old because [people of color] would get slaughtered for this and there’s better actors out there that probs couldn’t even get an audition for this,’ a different person pointed out.  

‘I cannot not think of all the actresses who are witch hunted daily for making jokes not even close to this… a woman publicly saying she is not prepared for a role? Cannot even imagine,’ a fifth tweet read. 

DailyMail.com has reached out to Culkin for comment. 

Culkin faced fierce backlash for his comments

Fans expressed anger at Culkin’s constant sarcasm, pointing out the double standards in the industry that allow him to get away with it

‘Can you imagine the reactions if Rachel Zegler had said that?’ asked another user, undoubtedly referencing the backlash Zegler received when she shared her opinions about the original Snow White movie being ‘dated.’ 

The upcoming Hunger Games film is set to be released on November 20, 2026, and explores the world of Panem about 24 years before Katniss Everdeen’s story. 

As of right now, the franchise includes five books and six movies, the most recent release being The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes movie which was released in 2023. 

And with Sunrise on the Reaping being not too far away, fans are encouraging Culkin to get it together. 

‘Lower expectations… this is the f**king hunger games… not your little Saturday Night Live monologue….. READ THE BOOKS AND GET THE F**K TO WORK,’ another user said.