Los Angeles — ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ Wins Early Praise, With Joseph Zada Hailed as Haymitch
“The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping” has made its premiere, prompting enthusiastic early reviews from film critics who have described the sixth installment as a “perfect adaptation” that brings “new life” to the franchise. The film is the second prequel in the series, following 2023’s “The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.”
Film critic Griffin Schiller compared the latest installment to “Rogue One” and “Andor,” calling it a standout entry in “The Hunger Games” universe.
“It’s [a] sobering, yet powerful story of devastating loss and the necessary cost of rebellion for a sunrise we may never see,” Schiller wrote. “As a massive fan of the series and especially this book, I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect adaptation.”
Gavin Spoors, editor-in-chief of Filmhounds Magazine and a Tomatometer critic, singled out the film’s 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,” Spoors wrote on X.
Matt Neglia, editor-in-chief of Next Best Picture, praised the film’s casting, describing it as featuring “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,” Neglia wrote.
He highlighted Glenn Close’s performance, describing her as a scene-stealer with her “horror-inducing face,” and praised Jesse Plemons for embodying the spirit of the late Philip Seymour Hoffman.
Neglia also commended Joseph Zada for his performance as Haymitch, saying the demanding role pushed the actor physically and emotionally.
“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,” he wrote.
Neglia further praised director Francis Lawrence for continuing to uncover new thematic and stylistic dimensions within the established franchise, while highlighting the production and costume design.
“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,” he added.
Fellow Next Best Picture editor Lauren LaMagna also celebrated the film, writing, “The rebellion is sparking with SUNRISE ON THE REAPING.”
She credited Lawrence with continuing to refresh the franchise and noted that the distinctive production design helps keep familiar story elements engaging. LaMagna described Zada’s portrayal of Haymitch as “heartbreakingly radiant,” adding, “A star is born role.”
Collider’s Perri Nemiroff likewise identified Zada as one of the film’s biggest strengths. Having developed high expectations for the actor after watching “We Were Liars,” Nemiroff said his performance exceeded them.
“One of the biggest highlights? Joseph Zada,” she wrote.
“His ability to capture Haymitch’s warmth and charm and then weave that into the rage and heartbreak the Hunger Games sparks is superb,” Nemiroff continued. “SO much of this movie is on his shoulders, and he soars tackling every ounce of it. This is only the beginning for Zada.”
Nemiroff also suggested that the prequel could encourage audiences to revisit the earlier films, much as “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” did for her.
“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,” she wrote. “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 praised the decision to cast Zada, saying the choice “couldn’t be better.”
“‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ is a worthy addition to the franchise,” Starner 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 film follows a young Haymitch, played by Zada in a role previously portrayed by Woody Harrelson, as he struggles to survive the 50th Hunger Games.
The cast also includes Jesse Plemons as Plutarch, Ralph Fiennes as President Snow, Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman, Maya Hawke as Wiress and Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee. Mckenna Grace, Glenn Close and Whitney Peak are among the actors introducing new characters to the film franchise.
The story takes place 24 years before the events of the first “Hunger Games” movie. Francis Lawrence, who has directed every film in the series except the original installment, which was helmed by Gary Ross, returns to direct the latest prequel.
Much of the anticipation surrounding “Sunrise on the Reaping” has also centered on the return of Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Harrelson, who reprise their franchise roles as Katniss, Peeta and Haymitch.
Readers of Collins’ novel will recognize the reason for their involvement: the book concludes with a flash-forward epilogue featuring the three characters, suggesting the film adaptation will follow the same approach.
Jennifer Lawrence discussed returning as Katniss on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast, describing the experience as deeply emotional.
“It was unbelievable,” she said. “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 scheduled to open in theaters on Nov. 20 from Lionsgate.
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