Glenn Close Transforms into Drusilla Sickle in ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’
Glenn Close has long been known for her ability to fully immerse herself in her roles, whether portraying a chilling antagonist or a character that audiences might not recognize until the credits roll. This reputation for transformation is set to continue as the acclaimed actress joins one of modern cinema’s most dystopian franchises.
The universe of ‘The Hunger Games’ is famous for casting powerhouse actors in its Capitol elite roles, and the upcoming prequel is no different. Lionsgate has been releasing first-look footage ahead of the film’s premiere, offering fans an early insight into the lengths the cast will go for their character transformations.
The latest teaser gives audiences their first proper glimpse of Glenn Close as Drusilla Sickle in ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping,’ and her transformation is remarkable. Close appears with heavy facial prosthetics, an angular orange bob, thin arched eyebrows, and bold red lipstick, embodying a Capitol chaperone that makes her nearly unrecognizable on screen.
Drusilla serves as the Capitol escort for District 12’s tributes, a role later taken on by Elizabeth Banks’ Effie Trinket in the original trilogy. Unlike Effie, who ultimately showed genuine care beneath her flamboyant exterior, Drusilla is portrayed as much more callous, primarily focused on her reputation within the Capitol rather than the welfare of the children she escorts.
Close has expressed her excitement about joining the franchise, describing it as a thrilling new world to explore. She has shared her admiration for the young cast’s performances, eagerly anticipating the finished film and praising her younger co-stars as a fabulous group to work with.
‘Sunrise on the Reaping’ acts as a prequel to Suzanne Collins’ original trilogy, focusing on a teenage Haymitch Abernathy, played by Joseph Zada, twenty-four years before the events of the first ‘Hunger Games’ film. The narrative centers on the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell, marking Haymitch’s own brutal introduction to the arena that would shape the rest of his life.
The film features a sprawling ensemble cast alongside Close and Zada, including Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, Ralph Fiennes reprising his role as President Snow, Kieran Culkin as 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 a perfect fit for the character, calling her a dream choice for Drusilla and commending the intellect and creativity she brings to every role, resulting in performances that are both unforgettable and uniquely her own. This aligns with Close’s extensive history of portraying complex, often morally ambiguous characters throughout her career.
Directed once again by Francis Lawrence, who has helmed several entries in the franchise, ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’ is scheduled for release on November 20, 2026. With its Capitol-heavy ensemble cast and a storyline centered around one of the trilogy’s most beloved supporting characters’ darkest origins, the film is set to deliver another emotionally charged chapter in Panem’s extensive history.
Given how thoroughly transformed Close appears in this initial footage, fans are already speculating about how central her character’s cruelty will be to the story’s darker themes. Regardless of Drusilla’s ultimate role in Haymitch’s journey, this first look indicates that Close is fully committed to making her portrayal as memorable as possible.
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