“The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping” has officially premiered, and the first wave of press reactions is giving the franchise plenty to celebrate ahead of its theatrical release.

Critics responding to the sixth “Hunger Games” film have praised its emotional weight, production design and cast, with leading man Joseph Zada repeatedly emerging as a standout. The movie is the franchise’s second prequel after 2023’s “The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.”

Based on Suzanne Collins’ 2025 novel, “Sunrise on the Reaping” follows a young Haymitch as he competes in the 50th Hunger Games. Zada takes over the role previously played by Woody Harrelson.

Joseph Zada Earns Breakout Praise

Film critic Griffin Schiller described the new movie as the “Rogue One” and “Andor” of the “Hunger Games” series. Calling it a story about “devastating loss” and the cost of rebellion, Schiller said he “couldn’t have asked for a more perfect adaptation.”

Filmhounds Magazine editor-in-chief Gavin Spoors was similarly enthusiastic, calling the third act “stellar” and saying it “pulls the rug out underneath you.” He praised the performances, declaring that “Zada is a star,” while highlighting the film’s treatment of revolution and personal responsibility.

Next Best Picture editor-in-chief Matt Neglia called the ensemble some of the year’s best casting. He said the performers make familiar characters their own while holding on to the qualities audiences already associate with them.

Neglia singled out Glenn Close and Jesse Plemons as scene-stealers, while describing Zada as “beyond impressive” in a role demanding both physical and emotional intensity. He also praised the film’s production and costume design, as well as director Francis Lawrence’s ability to find new thematic and stylistic dimensions within the established structure.

Next Best Picture editor Lauren LaMagna said Lawrence continues to bring “new life” to the world and credited the distinctive production design with preventing familiar story beats from becoming stale. Her strongest praise was reserved for Zada, whom she called “heartbreakingly radiant” as Haymitch, adding: “A star is born role.”

Collider’s Perri Nemiroff said Zada repeatedly left her stunned. She praised his ability to combine Haymitch’s warmth and charm with the rage and heartbreak caused by the Games, noting that much of the film rests on his shoulders. Nemiroff also said the prequel should add new value to repeat viewings of the original movies, as “The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes” did for her.

Static Media writer Nina Starner said Zada’s casting “couldn’t be better” and awarded the movie an A. She described it as a worthy franchise addition that looks and feels frighteningly real while connecting the original stories with “Ballad.” Those first reactions were posted on X on Oct. 28, 2026.

A Familiar World With a New Ensemble

“Sunrise on the Reaping” is set 24 years before the beginning of the first “Hunger Games” movie. Francis Lawrence returns to direct after helming every entry in the franchise except the first installment, which was directed by Gary Ross.

Alongside Zada, the cast 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 playing characters new to the film franchise.

The movie has also generated attention for the returns of Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Harrelson as Katniss, Peeta and Haymitch. Collins’ novel concludes with a flash-forward epilogue featuring the three characters, and the adaptation appears to be following that approach.

Jennifer Lawrence discussed reprising Katniss during an appearance on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast, calling the experience “unbelievable” and “so emotional.” She said the production involved the same crew and AD, and recalled that she and Hutcherson did not even walk to the bathroom without putting their arms around each other.

ShowBiz Take

The first reactions matter because they praise more than nostalgia. Zada is being celebrated for creating his own young Haymitch while maintaining the qualities associated with Harrelson’s portrayal, and multiple critics say the film gives renewed energy to the franchise’s established themes and structure.

The prequel also occupies a crucial place in the movie timeline. By focusing on Haymitch’s Games and reconnecting with Katniss, Peeta and the older Haymitch through the book’s flash-forward framework, “Sunrise on the Reaping” links its new cast directly to the original films. Early praise suggests critics believe that connection strengthens the franchise rather than simply repeating it.

What Happens Next?

“The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping” opens in theaters Nov. 20 through Lionsgate. The enthusiastic premiere responses now set the stage for audiences to deliver their own verdict on Zada’s Haymitch and the franchise’s latest return to the arena.