Critics Are Calling THE HUNGER GAMES: SUNRISE ON THE REAPING the Franchise’s ROGUE ONE and a Nearly Perfect Adaptation
The first reactions to The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping have arrived, and it sounds like Lionsgate has another big winner on its hands.
Following the film’s world premiere in London, critics are praising director Francis Lawrence for delivering what some are calling one of the franchise’s best installments yet. One critic even compared it to Rogue One and Andor, which should give fans an idea of the kind of story they're in for.
Based on Suzanne Collins’ bestselling novel, the upcoming Hunger Games prequel takes audiences back to Panem for a brutal chapter in the life of Haymitch Abernathy. Early reactions suggest the film delivers plenty of action, some seriously heartbreaking moments, and an outstanding performance from Joseph Zada as the young Haymitch.
Film critic Griffin Schiller made one of the most interesting comparisons, calling the movie the Rogue One and Andor of the Hunger Games franchise.
“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.”
That's some high praise, especially considering how well Rogue One and Andor explored the sacrifices that come with fighting an oppressive government.
Perri Nemiroff of Collider was particularly impressed with Zada, who takes over the role of Haymitch from Woody Harrelson.
“One of the biggest highlights? Joseph Zada. 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.”
The story takes place 24 years before the events of the original Hunger Games film and follows Haymitch as he's selected to compete in the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell.
This particular competition comes with an especially cruel twist. The Capitol doubles the number of tributes, forcing 48 young people into the arena instead of the usual 24.
Haymitch wants nothing more than to survive the reaping and return to the girl he loves. Unfortunately, his name is called, and he's sent to the Capitol alongside three other District 12 tributes, including a close friend, an obsessive oddsmaker, and a girl he can barely stand.
Once inside the arena, Haymitch realizes the odds have been rigged against him. But surviving becomes about more than saving his own life, as his actions could have consequences that extend far beyond the Games.
Gavin Spoors, editor-in-chief of Filmhounds Magazine, praised the movie's emotional impact and described its third act as “stellar,” saying 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.
The supporting cast is getting plenty of love as well. Matt Neglia, editor-in-chief of Next Best Picture, said the film “features some of the best casting of the year.”
“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. 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.”
That's an encouraging response, particularly when it comes to Jesse Plemons playing Plutarch Heavensbee, a character previously portrayed by Philip Seymour Hoffman.
Fellow Next Best Picture editor Lauren LaMagna was equally enthusiastic about the movie and its leading man.
“The rebellion is sparking with SUNRISE ON THE REAPING. 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.”
Nina Starner of Static Media also praised Zada's casting, saying 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.”
Nemiroff also pointed out how the prequel adds more emotional weight to the films that came before it: “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.”
Lawrence certainly knows his way around Panem. He's directed every installment since The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, including 2023's The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. The original 2012 film was directed by Gary Ross.
He's also assembled an impressive cast for this latest chapter. Alongside Zada and Plemons, the film stars 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. Mckenna Grace, Glenn Close, and Whitney Peak also join the franchise as new characters.
There's another exciting reason for longtime fans to look forward to this movie. Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, and Harrelson are returning as Katniss Everdeen, Peeta Mellark, and the older Haymitch.
Readers of Collins' novel know that the story includes a flash-forward epilogue featuring the three characters, and the movie brings that reunion to the screen.
Lawrence talked about how emotional it was to return to the franchise, saying: “It was unbelievable. 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.”
Of course, these are early social media reactions, so it's worth seeing how the full reviews shake out. Still, the enthusiasm surrounding Zada's performance, the supporting cast, and the film's emotional story is encouraging.
What makes Sunrise on the Reaping especially interesting is that we already know what happens to Haymitch later in life. The real draw is discovering everything he went through to become the cynical, damaged mentor we met in the original films.
If Lawrence has managed to capture that story as effectively as these first reactions suggest, this could be one of the most memorable entries in the entire Hunger Games franchise.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping opens in theaters on November 20, 2026, from Lionsgate.