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“The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping” has officially premiered, and members of the film press are already calling the sixth installment a “perfect adaptation” that breathes “new life” into the franchise. “Sunrise
on the Reaping” is the second “Hunger Games” prequel movie following 2023’s “The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.”
Film critic Griffin Schiller hailed the movie as the “Rogue One” and “Andor” of “The Hunger Games” franchise, adding: “It’s [a] sobering, yet powerful story of devastating loss and the necessary cost of rebellion for a sunrise we may never see. As a massive fan of the series and especially this book, I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect adaptation.”
Filmhounds Magazine editor-in-chief and Tomatometer critic Gavin Spoors praised the film’s third act as “stellar,” writing that it “pulls the rug out underneath you.” “Anchored by terrific performances (Zada is a star), this emotional thriller nails the themes of the cost of revolution and how we all need to play our part,” he wrote on X.
Matt Neglia, Next Best Picture editor-in-chief, wrote that the film “features some of the best casting of the year” in his review. “Many of the actors breathe new life into familiar characters, making them their own, while preserving the qualities that made them so compelling in the first place,” he continued. “Glenn Close, with her horror-inducing face, is a scene-stealer as is Jesse Plemons embodying the spirit of the late great Philip Seymour Hoffman. Joseph Zada is beyond impressive in a highly demanding role that pushes him to the limit physically and emotionally, perfectly capturing the essence of Haymitch with all the sympathy, charm and bitterness Woody Harrelson brought to the role. I’m continually blown away by how Francis Lawrence continues to find more layers in this familiar structure thematically and stylistically as the production and costume design continue to be dazzling highlights. If this is to be the end of his time working on these movies, it’s a good way to go out as this latest installment brings the franchise full circle with the character that’s always been the beating heart at its center.”
“The rebellion is sparking with SUNRISE ON THE REAPING,” wrote fellow Next Best Picture editor Lauren LaMagna. “Francis Lawrence continues to breathe new life into this world. The unique production design doesn’t let familiar beats get too dull. Joseph Zada is heartbreakingly radiant as Haymitch. A star is born role.”
“One of the biggest highlights? Joseph Zada,” wrote Collider’s Perri Nemiroff. “I had high hopes for him after watching We Were Liars, but he had my jaw on the floor time and time again during Sunrise on the Reaping. His ability to capture Haymitch’s warmth and charm and then weave that into the rage and heartbreak the Hunger Games sparks is superb. SO much of this movie is on his shoulders, and he soars tackling every ounce of it. This is only the beginning for Zada.”
He continued: “Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes bolstered my rewatches of the original films, and I have no doubt the same will be true of Sunrise on the Reaping. Sparking real change can take time and demand great sacrifice. This film franchise is better off for having added Haymitch’s.”
Static Media writer Nina Starner also championed Zada’s casting, saying that it “couldn’t be better.” “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is a worthy addition to the franchise,” she wrote. “It looks and feels terrifyingly real, and it bridges the gap perfectly between the original stories and Ballad. A from me.”
Based on Suzanne Collins’ 2025 novel “Sunrise on the Reaping,” the latest “Hunger Games” movie centers on a young Haymitch (Zada, taking over the role from Woody Harrelson) as he fights to survive while competing in the 50th Hunger Games. The cast also features Jesse Plemons as Plutarch, Ralph Fiennes as President Snow, Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman, Maya Hawke as Wiress and Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee. New characters in the film franchise are played by the likes of Mckenna Grace, Glenn Close and Whitney Peak, among others.
“Sunrise on the Reaping” takes place 24 years before the start of the first “Hunger Games” movie. Frances Lawrence, who has directed every “Hunger Games” movie except for the first installment (that was Gary Ross), returns to helm the latest prequel movie.
Much of the buzz surrounding “Sunrise on the Reaping” has been related to the franchise returns of Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Harrelson as Katniss, Peeta and Haymitch. Book readers know that Suzanne Collins’ novel ends with a flash-forward epilogue featuring the trio, so it appears the film adaptation is following suit.
“It was unbelievable,” Lawrence said on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast about reprising Katniss. “It was so crazy. It was the same crew. It was the same AD, who I’ve worked with a million times because I love him. And with Josh [Hutcherson] and Woody [Harrelson] … it was so emotional. Josh and I didn’t walk to the bathroom without our arms around each other. It was so beautiful.”
“The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping” is set to open in theaters Nov. 20 from Lionsgate. Check out first reactions to the movie below.
