Glenn Close is unrecognisable as Drusilla Sickle in new 'Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping' teaser

Close plays a Capitol chaperone assigned to the tributes in the 50th Hunger Games, the Second Quarter Quell

Glenn Close has left The Hunger Games fans stunned with her transformation into Drusilla Sickle in a new teaser for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping.

The Oscar-nominated actress appears almost unrecognisable in the footage, sporting an elaborate red hairstyle, heavy make-up and distinctive prosthetic teeth for her role as a Capitol chaperone. Her striking appearance has already become one of the most talked-about elements of the upcoming prequel.

 

 

 

 

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Close plays Drusilla Sickle, a Capitol chaperone assigned to the tributes taking part in the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell. The character occupies a similar position to Effie Trinket, who was played by Elizabeth Banks in the original The Hunger Games films.

The new film is set 24 years before the events of the original The Hunger Games and centres on a young Haymitch Abernathy as he is selected to compete in the deadly Games. Joseph Zada takes over the role from Woody Harrelson, who portrayed the older version of Haymitch in the original film series.

The Second Quarter Quell is particularly significant because the rules are changed to mark the 50th Hunger Games. Instead of two tributes being selected from each district, four are chosen, doubling the number of young people forced into the arena.

Close's Drusilla is part of a star-studded cast that also includes Ralph Fiennes as a younger President Coriolanus Snow, Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket and Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman.

McKenna Grace plays Maysilee Donner, one of Haymitch's fellow District 12 tributes, while Whitney Peak, Maya Hawke and Kelvin Harrison Jr. also appear in the prequel.

Close's casting has attracted particular attention because of the character's extravagant Capitol appearance. The new footage gives audiences an early glimpse of the actress embracing the franchise's deliberately over-the-top aesthetic, with her elaborate costume and prosthetics making Drusilla stand out immediately.

The actress is known for taking on memorable and often intense characters throughout her career, including her iconic role as Cruella de Vil in 101 Dalmatians. Her transformation for Sunrise on the Reaping appears to continue that tradition, with fans already reacting to the dramatic look.

Sunrise on the Reaping is based on Suzanne Collins' 2025 novel of the same name, which explores Haymitch's experience during the 50th Hunger Games and provides a deeper look at the character before the events of the original trilogy.

Francis Lawrence returns to direct the film after previously helming The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, both Mockingjay films and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. Billy Ray wrote the screenplay.

The film is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on November 20, 2026, with fans set to return to Panem for another story exploring the origins of one of the franchise's most important characters.