First Reactions Call ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’ the Best ‘Hunger Games’ Yet

The first reactions to The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping are in, and they are glowing. Critics who saw the film at its London premiere on Wednesday called it the strongest entry in the franchise so far.

The praise centered on Joseph Zada, who plays a young Haymitch Abernathy. More than one early viewer called his performance the breakout of the film.

Film Speak critic Griffin Schiller called the movie "the Rogue One/Andor of the franchise" and "a sobering, yet powerful story of devastating loss and the necessary cost of rebellion for a sunrise we may never see." He called Zada "a revelation" and said director Francis Lawrence captures "the invigorating spark of revolution and the tragedy of Haymitch's journey, culminating in a resounding gut punch."

Collider critic Perri Nemiroff wrote that the film "rocks a ton of stunning craftsmanship" and said Zada left her jaw "on the floor time and time again." She praised his ability to capture Haymitch's "warmth and charm" and then weave in "the rage and heartbreak" the Games bring.

Nerds of Color writer Nikita Francois called it "easily the best film in the Hunger Games franchise" and Zada "electrifying" as Haymitch. FilmHounds editor-in-chief Gavin Spoors wrote that the film's "stellar third act pulls the rug out underneath you" and that "Zada is a star." Next Best Picture editor-in-chief Matt Neglia said the film "features some of the best casting of the year," singling out Glenn Close as a scene stealer. Static Media writer Nina Starner called it "a worthy addition to the franchise" and gave it an A.

These are first reactions, not full reviews. Lionsgate allowed people who attended the October 28 screenings to post short reactions online. Full critics' reviews are being held until closer to the film's release.

The film is the sixth in the series and the second prequel, after 2023's The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. It adapts Suzanne Collins' 2025 novel of the same name. The story goes back 24 years before Katniss Everdeen volunteered as tribute. It follows Haymitch through the 50th Hunger Games, the Second Quarter Quell, in which twice the usual number of tributes are sent into the arena.

Zada plays the younger Haymitch, the role Woody Harrelson played in the earlier films. The cast also includes McKenna Grace as Maysilee Donner, Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket, Ralph Fiennes as President Coriolanus Snow, Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman, Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird and Glenn Close. Early reports also point to appearances from Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Harrelson as the older Haymitch in framing scenes.

Francis Lawrence returns to direct. He has directed every Hunger Games film except the first. The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping opens in theaters November 20.