The first teaser trailer for the upcoming Hunger Games prequel, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, has been released, and one of the biggest talking points is the dramatic, almost unrecognizable transformation of actress Glenn Close (New York Post, People Magazine).¹

The Role: Drusilla Sickle

Glenn Close, at 78, is taking on the role of Drusilla Sickle, the tribute escort for District 12.² This character is similar to the popular Effie Trinket from the original trilogy but is described as being a more sinister Capitol official who cares mostly about her own reputation.³

• Appearance: Close appears in heavy makeup, facial prosthetics, and even fake teeth, sporting a severe orange bob wig and dramatic Capitol fashion (Cinemablend, Extra TV).⁴ Fans instantly took to social media, expressing shock and amazement at her intense transformation, with many initially failing to recognize the Oscar-nominated actress (New York Post, Cinemablend).⁵

• Key Line: In the trailer, Drusilla announces a pivotal rule for the 50th Hunger Games (the Second Quarter Quell): “Welcome Panem, to the glorious reaping of District 12...⁶ Twice the tributes, twice the glory.”⁷

The Prequel Story: Haymitch Abernathy's Games

The movie is based on the 2025 novel by Suzanne Collins and is set 24 years before the events of Katniss Everdeen's story.⁸ It centers on the tragic and pivotal 50th Hunger Games, which features a young Haymitch Abernathy.⁹

• Focus: The story follows 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy (played by Joseph Zada), a rebellious youth from District 12, who is forced to compete in the Quarter Quell.¹⁰ This event requires each district to send two boys and two girls, doubling the total number of tributes to 48 (Wikipedia, People Magazine).¹¹

• Central Conflict: The book details Haymitch’s descent into the jaded, alcoholic mentor seen in the original trilogy. He attempts to challenge the Capitol’s control and propaganda, but the traumatic events—including the deaths of those he cares for, like his family and girlfriend Lenore Dove—lead to his emotional collapse (Audible, SparkNotes).

All-Star Cast

The film features a star-studded ensemble cast, playing both new characters and younger versions of familiar roles:¹²

Actor	Role	Notes
Joseph Zada	Haymitch Abernathy	Protagonist, District 12 Tribute
Ralph Fiennes	President Coriolanus Snow	Returning as the tyrannical leader (following Donald Sutherland and Tom Blyth)
Jesse Plemons	Plutarch Heavensbee	A young cameraman for the Games
Elle Fanning	Effie Trinket	A Capitol stylist (a different role than Drusilla Sickle)
Kieran Culkin	Caesar Flickerman	The host of the Hunger Games
Mckenna Grace	Maysilee Donner	District 12 Tribute
Glenn Close	Drusilla Sickle	District 12 Tribute Escort
Billy Porter	Magno Stift	A Capitol stylist
Maya Hawke	Wiress	Former victor and mentor to District 12

🎬 Release Date

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, directed by Francis Lawrence, is scheduled to be released in theaters on November 20, 2026 (New York Post).¹³

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