Glenn Close Is Almost Unrecognizable in Her New Look as a Villain in ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’

Glenn Close has spent decades proving she can disappear into a role, whether she’s playing a chillingly composed antagonist or a character audiences barely recognize until the credits roll. That reputation for total transformation is about to get another entry, as the acclaimed actress steps into one of the most dystopian franchises in modern cinema.

‘The Hunger Games‘ universe has built a reputation for casting powerhouse performers as its Capitol elite, and the franchise’s next prequel is no exception. Lionsgate has continued rolling out first-look footage ahead of the film’s release, giving fans an early glimpse at how deep the cast is willing to go for their transformations.

The latest teaser shared online gives fans their first proper look at Glenn Close as Drusilla Sickle in ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping,’ and the transformation is striking. Close appears with heavy facial prosthetics, an angular orange bob, thin arched eyebrows, and bold red lipstick, embodying a Capitol chaperone role that leaves the veteran actress almost entirely unrecognizable on screen.

Drusilla serves as the Capitol escort for District 12’s tributes, occupying a role later filled by Elizabeth Banks’ Effie Trinket in the original trilogy. Unlike Effie, who ultimately revealed genuine care beneath her theatrical exterior, Drusilla is written as far more callous, someone primarily concerned with maintaining her reputation with the Capitol rather than the wellbeing of the children she escorts.

Close has spoken about her enthusiasm for joining the franchise, calling it a thrilling new world to step into. She shared her excitement about the young cast’s performances specifically, writing that she couldn’t wait to see the finished film and praising her younger co-stars as a fabulous group to work alongside.

‘Sunrise on the Reaping’ serves as a prequel to Suzanne Collins’ original trilogy, following a teenage Haymitch Abernathy, played by Joseph Zada, twenty-four years before the events of the first ‘Hunger Games’ film. The story centers on the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell, marking Haymitch’s own brutal introduction to the arena that would define the rest of his life.

The film assembles a sprawling ensemble cast alongside Close and Zada, including Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, Ralph Fiennes reprising his role as President Snow, Kieran Culkin stepping into the role of Caesar Flickerman, and Elle Fanning, McKenna Grace, Whitney Peak, and Maya Hawke rounding out the young cast of tributes and mentors.

Producer Nina Jacobson has described Close’s casting as an ideal fit for the character, calling her a dream choice for Drusilla and praising the intellect and imagination she brings to every role she takes on, creating performances that feel both unforgettable and distinctly her own. That description lines up with Close’s long history of playing complex, often morally compromised characters throughout her career.

Directed once again by Francis Lawrence, who has helmed multiple entries in the franchise, ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’ is set for release on November 20, 2026. With its Capitol-heavy ensemble cast and a story built around one of the trilogy’s most beloved supporting characters’ darkest origins, the film looks poised to deliver another emotionally intense chapter in Panem’s long history.

Given how thoroughly transformed Close appears in this first footage alone, fans are already speculating about just how central her character’s cruelty will be to the story’s darker themes. Whatever role Drusilla ultimately plays in Haymitch’s journey, this first look suggests Close is fully committed to making her as memorable as possible.

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