Critics Call 'Sunrise on the Reaping' a 'Perfect Adaptation' and the Franchise's 'Rogue One'

Joseph Zada is the breakout of "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping," which premiered to press reactions calling the sixth franchise film a "perfect adaptation" that breathes "new life" into the series. Lionsgate opens the prequel in theaters Nov. 20.

The film is the second "Hunger Games" prequel, following 2023's "The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes." It adapts Suzanne Collins' 2025 novel and centers on a young Haymitch Abernathy — Zada, taking over the role from Woody Harrelson — as he fights to survive the 50th Hunger Games.

What are critics saying?

Film critic Griffin Schiller hailed the movie as the "Rogue One" and "Andor" of the franchise. "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, praised the third act as "stellar," writing that 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 on X.

Matt Neglia, editor-in-chief of Next Best Picture, said the film "features some of the best casting of the year" and singled out the supporting players: Glenn Close "is a scene-stealer," and Jesse Plemons embodies "the spirit of the late great Philip Seymour Hoffman." Of Zada, Neglia wrote that he 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."

Lauren LaMagna, also of Next Best Picture, wrote that "Francis Lawrence continues to breathe new life into this world" and called Zada "heartbreakingly radiant as Haymitch. A star is born role."

Collider's Perri Nemiroff was equally emphatic: "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."

Static Media's Nina Starner said Zada's casting "couldn't be better" and called the film "a worthy addition to the franchise" that "bridges the gap perfectly between the original stories and Ballad."

The verdict is consistent across critics: Zada carries the film, and Francis Lawrence, who has directed every franchise entry except Gary Ross's 2012 original, closes his run on a high note.

Who returns, and who is new?

The cast includes:

• Jesse Plemons as Plutarch
• Ralph Fiennes as President Snow
• Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman
• Maya Hawke as Wiress
• Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee
• Mckenna Grace, Glenn Close and Whitney Peak in new franchise roles

The story takes place 24 years before the first "Hunger Games" movie. Much of the pre-release buzz has focused on the franchise returns of Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Harrelson as Katniss, Peeta and Haymitch — Collins' novel ends with a flash-forward epilogue featuring the trio, and the film appears to follow suit.

"It was unbelievable," Jennifer Lawrence said on the "Call Her Daddy" podcast about reprising Katniss. "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."

Whether the strong first reactions translate into a franchise-best box office run will become clear when "Sunrise on the Reaping" reaches theaters Nov. 20.