Stephen Colbert crashes RNC stage for ‘Hunger Games’ prank

Stephen Colbert has arrived in Cleveland, Ohio, for the Republican National Convention ahead of numerous delegates, and he’s already causing a ruckus.

Colbert has also played another character when covering the elections: flamboyant Julius, who’s based on Hunger Games host Caesar Flickerman.

The comedian began by announcing Trump’s pick for the Republican vice presidential nominee, pronouncing that he has “formed an alliance” with in governor Mike Pence, then letting his head droop forward for a few seconds. “I know I did”, Colbert said, stepping into his former alter-ego “Colbert”, the half-witted, right-winged, satirical persona he once channeled on Comedy Central’s The Colbert Report. Colbert bellowed while banging a large gavel on the lectern, before he was approached by a security guard. In another clip from the floor of the convention hall, Colbert can be seen conferring with one of his writers before going on stage to deliver the bit. The RNC is probably excited to have a video from the convention go viral, as nothing else should make the news from this event.

The act was part of a segment he was shooting for his The Late Show.

The Republican National Convention, which kicks off in Cleveland, Ohio today (July 18), may have already had its biggest celebrity appearance. Well, take for example that zing he fired at Donald Trumps choice for VP. One of his most powerful and popular performances was at the White House Correspondent’s Dinner where he fearlessly roasted sitting president George Bush for 27 minutes.

It seems pretty obvious that the comedian likely got permission to do the stunt before the launch of the convention Monday, despite the security running him offstage.

We have lamented in this space before that Stephen Colbert has, at times, struggled to find his footing in a post-Colbert Report world.

‘Merica, let the power games begin!