Hunger Games fans shocked after realising where they recognise character from in new trailer

Fans of the Hunger Games films have spotted a very familiar face in the new trailer for Sunrise on the Reaping.

It comes after they were confused by one star, with a major sense of disbelief that Hollywood A-lister Glenn Close is unrecognisable as Drusilla Sickle, a sinister games official.

She's effectively the Effie Trinket of the prequel, set years before the first Hunger Games films.

It's based on the novel of the same name, and the action takes place during the 50th Hunger Games.

Fans see a young Haymitch Abernathy be selected as a District 12 Tribute - he was one of the mentors, played by Woody Harrelson in the films fans know and love, starring Jennifer Lawrence.

The dystopian prequel trailer features one face that fans had no trouble recognising though, but they were just as surprised to see a star they're more used to seeing on the small screen in the UK.

The prequel is set many years before the Hunger Games films (Lionsgate Films)

Joining Close in the cast is an EastEnders actress who many people noticed instantly, and who many others know from Strictly Come Dancing.

Kara Tointon is starring as Haymitch's mother, Willamae Abernathy.

"Shaking at ar Dawn Swann in the new Hunger Games trailer...Hollywood Queen!" wrote one fan.

"I thought it was her in the trailer" added another delighted fan.

"omg wait period!!!!!," one X user wrote excitedly.

One wasn't convinced though, arguing: "I don't actually think that is her, just looks like her."

Kara was well known for her EastEnders role (BBC)

"No because I had to rewind to make sure I wasn’t seeing things!" added one shocked fan, while another simply added "omg, seriously?"

One viewer marvelled: "How does she still look so young, since she left EE?"

Another felt vindicated: "I knew it was her! Had to do a double take LOL" while others said they had always hoped her character would come back to EastEnders.

Tointon played the role of Dawn Swann in EastEnders from September 2005 to August 2009.

She went on to claim the Strictly glitterball trophy alongside dance partner Artem Chigvintsev in 2009, the same year she left the show.

The star confirmed it was her despite viewers doubts, when she shared her excitement on Instagram about her forthcoming role.

She shared a poster for the movie, and wrote a caption: "Only a year to wait. Buzzing to be a part of this incredible cast!"

Fans praised the star in the comments for her jump to Hollywood.

"About time, so well deserved!" wrote one.

"From EastEnders to Panem" joked another, referencing the fictional base of the Hunger Games films.

Also in the cast is Jesse Plemons, Ralph Fiennes, Kieran Culkin, Elle Fanning, Mckenna Grace, Maya Hawke, Whitney Peak and Kelvin Harrison Jr.

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