The long-awaited trailer for the newest Hunger Games prequel has finally arrived, but instead of fans talking solely about Panem’s return, one particular moment has set the internet ablaze.
A single character reveal has completely stumped viewers, leading to one of the biggest “wait… WHAT?!” moments of the year.
A New Chapter in Panem: Meet the Young Haymitch
The prequel, titled Sunrise on the Reaping, transports audiences back to Panem 24 years before the original films, exploring the early life of Haymitch Abernathy – the only living District 12 victor before Katniss Everdeen.
This time, Joseph Zara plays the young, cynical future mentor, beginning on the morning of the reaping for the Fiftieth Hunger Games, better known as the Second Quarter Quell, one of the bloodiest competitions in the franchise’s history.
He’s joined by a heavyweight cast including Jesse Plemons, Ralph Fiennes, Elle Fanning, Kieran Culkin, Mckenna Grace, Maya Hawke, Whitney Peak, and Kelvin Harrison Jr. Despite the star power, fans still missed one major name hiding in plain sight.
The Mystery Woman in Yellow: Trailer Moment Stops Fans in Their Tracks
In the trailer, viewers were immediately drawn to a figure in a yellow hazmat-style suit, with a blunt, burnt-orange bob and a chillingly perfect set of teeth.
The character, Drusilla Sickle, is introduced as a cold, imposing Capitol official responsible for announcing the tributes who will fight, and likely die, in the arena.
Everything about her design screams Capitol excess and eerie authority. But there was one question fans couldn’t shake: Who on earth is playing her?
Fans could not put their finger on who played Drusilla Sickle. Credit: Lionsgate.
The Big Reveal: Glenn Close, Completely Transformed
Film insiders have now confirmed the shocking truth: the woman behind Drusilla Sickle is Glenn Close.
Yes, THAT Glenn Close. The three-time Emmy Award winner. The three-time Tony Award winner. The three-time Golden Globe winner. A Hollywood icon, now completely unrecognizable!
With extensive prosthetics, a striking red bob, and teeth so unnervingly pristine they almost seem digital, the 78-year-old actress is hidden beneath one of the most dramatic makeovers in the franchise’s history.
Fans Lose Their Minds: “THAT’S GLENN CLOSE???”
Social media exploded immediately after fans learned the truth.
“THAT’S GLENN CLOSE??????????” one stunned viewer wrote.
“I thought it was her… then they zoomed in and I said NO WAY… and then I find out it is??? Makeup team went feral,” another joked.
“There is not one trace of Glenn Close on that face,” a third insisted.
Others demanded awards be handed out immediately: “Give the makeup team every trophy possible.”
Glenn Close, 78, was completely unrecognizable to fans. Credit: Leon Bennett/Getty Images.
Glenn Close Says the Transformation Was “Fun”
In a recent chat with Entertainment Tonight, Close said she’s relished the transformation process.
“I just think of character work as really fun,” she said.
“The Hunger Games has been another amazing collaboration I’m genuinely enjoying.”
She described the project as “huge,” teasing “extras and helicopters and chariots and horses” – signalling that fans should brace themselves for one of the franchise’s most ambitious entries yet.