You won’t believe Glenn Close’s transformation in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the reaping

The legendary Glenn Close, now 78, has stunned fans with a jaw-dropping transformation in the first official trailer for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. This upcoming prequel, set 24 years before the events of the original Hunger Games series, revisits the dystopian world of Panem and explores the origin of young Haymitch Abernathy, played by Joseph Zada. The film is slated to hit theaters on November 20, 2026.

In the trailer, Close is virtually unrecognizable as Drusilla Sickle, a menacing official of the Hunger Games. Sporting a vivid orange bob with sharp bangs, bold red lipstick, and perfectly arched eyebrows, the Oscar-nominated actress exudes a sinister presence as she oversees the lottery-style selection of tributes in District 12. Her transformation has immediately sparked excitement and curiosity among fans who are eager to see how she brings this iconic villain to life.

“This role is a playground for character exploration,” Close recently told Entertainment Tonight. “Working on The Hunger Games has been an incredible experience, collaborating with an amazing cast and crew.” Speaking to Variety, she described the film as “massive,” with elaborate scenes featuring chariots, horses, helicopters, and hundreds of extras, all contributing to the rich visual tapestry of Panem.

Sunrise on the Reaping not only revisits the origins of Haymitch but also chronicles the notorious 50th Hunger Games, also called the Second Quarter Quell—an event renowned for its heightened danger and political tension. The prequel introduces younger versions of beloved characters: Elle Fanning returns as Effie Trinket, Jesse Plemons plays Plutarch Heavensbee, Ralph Fiennes embodies President Coriolanus Snow, and Kieran Culkin steps into the role of Caesar Flickerman. Other notable cast members include Mckenna Grace, Maya Hawke, Whitney Peak, and Kelvin Harrison Jr.

Close is no stranger to radical transformations for her roles. She previously disappeared into the character of a cross-dressing 19th-century butler in Albert Knobbs (2011) and portrayed a chain-smoking, provocative grandmother in the 2024 horror film The Deliverance. Her ability to fully inhabit complex and often chilling roles has become her signature, delighting critics and audiences alike.

While audiences await the cinematic debut of Sunrise on the Reaping, Close continues to showcase her versatility on streaming platforms. She stars in Hulu’s legal drama All’s Fair and in Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, the third installment of Rian Johnson’s acclaimed detective series. In the latter, she plays Margaret Delacroix, a church manager entwined in the mysterious murder of a local monsignor, portrayed by Josh Brolin, during an Easter service in upstate New York.

Reflecting on her expansive career, Close recently shared that her guiding principle is never to repeat herself: “If I have any rule, it’s never to repeat myself. I’d get bored otherwise,” she laughed. This philosophy has driven her to continually explore diverse, challenging, and sometimes unsettling roles, solidifying her reputation as one of the most dynamic actors of her generation.

With Francis Lawrence returning as director and a screenplay by Billy Ray, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping promises to continue the franchise’s legacy of thrilling storytelling, rich world-building, and unforgettable characters.

FAQ

Q1: When does The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping release?
A1: The film is scheduled to premiere in theaters on November 20, 2026.

Q2: Who plays young Haymitch Abernathy in the prequel?
A2: Joseph Zada takes on the role of a young Haymitch Abernathy, originally portrayed by Woody Harrelson in the main series.

Q3: Which characters return in younger versions?
A3: Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket, Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, Ralph Fiennes as President Snow, and Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman.

Q4: What role does Glenn Close play?
A4: Close plays Drusilla Sickle, a sinister Hunger Games official, appearing almost unrecognizable with a dramatic costume and makeup transformation.

Q5: Who is directing the film?
A5: Francis Lawrence, known for directing the original trilogy and the first prequel, returns to helm the project.