Oscar-nominated actress Glenn Close looks almost unrecognizable in the newly released teaser for “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping,” shocking fans with a dramatic transformation that includes prosthetics, altered facial structure and a set of unnerving false teeth.

The 78-year-old star appears briefly but memorably in the teaser, unveiled Thursday, stepping into the role of Drusilla Sickle, the imposing tribute escort for District 12. Wearing a stern expression and speaking in a chilling ceremonial tone, Drusilla welcomes citizens to one of the darkest traditions in Panem:

“Welcome, Panem, to the glorious reaping of District 12.”

Close’s character then announces the twist that will define this story’s Games:

“Twice the tributes. Twice the glory.”

The trailer cuts swiftly to a panoramic view of the arena — a lush, living landscape dense with vibrant foliage, wildlife, and open fields, setting the stage for a far more unpredictable battleground than earlier installments. Tension builds as competitors prepare to face off in what promises to be one of the deadliest Hunger Games yet.

Glenn Close looks completely unrecognizable in “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping” trailer, which was released on Thursday.

The actress dons facial prosthetics and fake teeth in her role as District 12 tribute escort, Drusilla Sickle.

A title card then appears:
“Next year, a new era of the Games begins.”

Close’s dramatic new look arrives shortly after her recent appearance in Hulu’s All’s Fair, a series widely criticized by viewers and critics alike, where she starred alongside Kim Kardashian. Many fans were surprised to see her take on another high-profile — and heavily stylized — role so quickly.

The actress opens the trailer by being wheeled out to a crowd for the District 12 reaping ceremony.

A prequel rooted deep in Panem’s past

“Sunrise on the Reaping” is adapted from Suzanne Collins’ upcoming 2025 novel of the same name, which returns to Panem decades before Katniss Everdeen ever picked up a bow. The story is set 24 years before the first book, on the morning of the reaping for the 50th Hunger Games, better known as the Second Quarter Quell.

Close’s appearance in the trailer comes on the heels of her role in Hulu’s “All’s Fair.”

According to Collins’ official description, the districts are on edge:

“As the day dawns on the fiftieth annual Hunger Games, fear grips the districts of Panem. This year, in honor of the Quarter Quell, twice as many tributes will be taken from their homes.”

The book — and film — also revisits the early life of Haymitch Abernathy, long before he became the cynical mentor fans know. At this point in his life, Haymitch is simply trying to survive, keep his head down, and stay close to the girl he loves as his fate approaches.

An impressive all-star cast

Beyond Close, the prequel features a stacked cast including:
Joseph Zada, Whitney Peak, McKenna Grace, Ralph Fiennes, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Jesse Plemons, Elle Fanning, Kieran Culkin, Maya Hawke, and Billy Porter. The blend of veteran actors and rising stars suggests a large-scale, emotionally layered production befitting the franchise’s legacy.

The “Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping” is set 24 years before Katniss Everdeen’s story and follows fellow Hunger Games winner Haymitch Abernathy.Murray Close/Lionsgate

The prequel film, which is based on Suzanne Collins’ book of the same name, will be released on Nov. 20, 2026.Murray Close/Lionsgate

The movie release

“The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping” is scheduled to hit theaters November 20, 2026, marking the next major cinematic chapter in the billion-dollar dystopian franchise.

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Sources (New York Post, Variety, People)