“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 film following 2023’s “The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.”
Film critic Griffin Schiller hailed the film 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 huge fan of the series and especially this book, I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect adaptation.”
Gavin Spoors, editor of Filmhounds magazine and critic for Tomatometer, called the film’s third act “stellar”, writing that it “pulls the rug out from under you”. “Anchored by terrific performances (Zada is a star), this emotional thriller tackles themes of the cost of revolution and how we must all play our part,” he wrote on X.
Next Best Picture editor Matt Neglia wrote in his review that the film “features some of the best casting of the year.” “Many 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 his fearsome 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 very demanding role that pushes him to his limits physically and emotionally, perfectly capturing the essence of Haymitch with all the sympathy, charm and bitterness that Woody Harrelson brings to the role. I am continually blown away by the way Francis Lawrence continues to finding new layers within 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 films, this is a good way to go out as this latest installment brings the franchise full circle with the character that has always been the beating heart at its center.
“Rebellion breaks out with SUNRISE ON THE REAPING,” wrote Next Best Picture editor Lauren LaMagna. “Francis Lawrence continues to breathe new life into this world. The unique production design doesn’t let the familiar beats become too boring. Joseph Zada is incredibly radiant as Haymitch. A star is born in the 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 the warmth and charm of Haymitch, then integrate it with the rage and heartbreak sparks of The Hunger Games is superb. So much of this film rests on his shoulders, and he soars while tackling every ounce. This is just the beginning for Zada.”
She continued: “Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes has strengthened my rewatches of the original films, and I’m confident it will do the same for Sunrise on the Reaping. Sparking real change can take time and require great sacrifice. This film franchise is better off for having added Haymitch’s.”
Static Media writer Nina Starner also defended Zada’s casting, saying it “couldn’t be better.” “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is a valuable addition to the franchise,” she wrote. “It looks terrifyingly real and perfectly bridges the gap between the original stories and Ballad. One from me.”
Based on Suzanne Collins’ 2025 novel “Sunrise on the Reaping,” the latest “Hunger Games” film centers on a young Haymitch (Zada, reprising the role from Woody Harrelson) as he fights to survive while participating in the 50th Hunger Games. The cast also includes Jesse Plemons as Plutarch, Ralph Fiennes as President Snow, Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman, Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket, Maya Hawke as Wiress and Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee. New characters in the film franchise are played by 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” film. Frances Lawrence, who directed all of the “Hunger Games” films except the first installment (that was Gary Ross), returns to direct the final prequel film.
Much of the buzz around “Sunrise on the Reaping” has to do with 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 amazing,” Lawrence said on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast about taking over Katniss. “It was so crazy. It was the same team. 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 go to the bathroom without our arms around each other. It was so beautiful.”
“The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping” is scheduled to hit theaters on November 20 from Lionsgate. Check out early reactions to the film below.
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