Breaking News: Glenn Close and Billy Porter Join Cast of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping
In a significant development, Lionsgate has announced that eight-time Oscar nominee Glenn Close and three-time Tony winner Billy Porter are the latest additions to the cast of the highly anticipated film, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. According to a report from Deadline, Close will play Drusilla Sickle, the cruel escort to the District 12 Tributes, while Porter will take on the role of Magno Stift, her estranged husband and the Tributes’ uninspired designer.
The casting news was made official during Lionsgate’s presentation at CineEurope. This new addition brings the total cast to an impressive list of talented actors, including Joseph Zada, Whitney Peak, Mckenna Grace, Jesse Plemons, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Maya Hawke, Lili Taylor, Ben Wang, Ralph Fiennes, Elle Fanning, and Kieran Culkin. The film is directed by Francis Lawrence and is an adaptation of the bestselling book by Suzanne Collins.
As reported by Deadline, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is set to be released on November 20, 2026. The film is produced by Color Force’s Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson, with Cameron MacConomy serving as executive producer. The Hunger Games franchise has been a massive success, with the five films taking in over $3.3 billion at the global box office.
Producer Nina Jacobson expressed her excitement about the new additions to the cast, saying, "Glenn Close is a dream Drusilla. She brings so much of her intellect and imagination to each role, creating characters who are unforgettable and iconic. I think Glenn and Francis will have a ball bringing Drusilla from the page to the screen." Jacobson also praised Porter, stating, "Billy is one of those rare performers who can dazzle and devastate in equal measure on stage and screen."
Deadline reports that The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping revisits the world of Panem 24 years before the events of The Hunger Games, starting on the morning of the reaping of the Fiftieth Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell. The book has been a huge success, selling 1.5 million copies in its first week on sale in the U.S., UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Glenn Close, a highly acclaimed actress, has been nominated for eight Oscars and has won three Emmys, three Tonys, and three Golden Globes. Her notable screen credits include Fatal Attraction, Dangerous Liaisons, Albert Nobbs, The Wife, and the acclaimed series Damages. Billy Porter, a talented actor and singer, has won a Tony and a Grammy for Kinky Boots and has also won Tonys for his production of A Strange Loop and the Isabelle Stevenson Award for his humanitarian efforts.
As noted by Deadline, the addition of Close and Porter to the cast of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is a significant coup for Lionsgate. With their impressive track records and dedication to their craft, they are sure to bring depth and nuance to their respective roles. As the film industry continues to evolve, it’s clear that The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is shaping up to be a must-see event for fans of the franchise and newcomers alike.
