'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping': Critics' first reactions praise Joseph Zada’s performance as Haymitch

The film is based on Suzanne Collins’ 2025 novel and follows a young Haymitch's struggle in the 50th Hunger Games

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping has received positive early reactions from film critics, with reviewers praising its emotional storytelling, franchise connections and Joseph Zada’s portrayal of a young Haymitch Abernathy.

The latest instalment has been described as a “perfect adaptation”, with some critics comparing its tone and themes to Rogue One and Andor.

Film critic Griffin Schiller called it a “sobering, yet powerful story” exploring loss, rebellion and the sacrifices required to challenge oppression.

#TheHungerGames Sunrise on the Reaping is the Rogue One/Andor of the franchise. 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… pic.twitter.com/EC98k42mQt

— Griffin Schiller (@griffschiller) October 28, 2026

Zada, who takes over the role previously played by Woody Harrelson, has emerged as a major highlight.

Next Best Picture editor-in-chief Matt Neglia praised the casting and said the actor captured Haymitch’s “sympathy, charm and bitterness”.

THE HUNGER GAMES: SUNRISE ON THE REAPING features some of the best casting of the year as 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… pic.twitter.com/G2vIUVe8yR

— Matt Neglia (@NextBestPicture) October 28, 2026

Collider’s Perri Nemiroff also commended Zada’s ability to portray the character’s warmth alongside the anger and heartbreak caused by the Hunger Games.

The Hunger Games franchise remains a favorite. THE HUNGER GAMES: SUNRISE ON THE REAPING rocks a ton of stunning craftsmanship, yet another phenomenal cast, and an exhilarating narrative that serves as a powerful reminder that nothing is inevitable and it is possible to break a… pic.twitter.com/Hab3Hs0Php

— Perri Nemiroff (@PNemiroff) October 28, 2026

FilmHounds editor-in-chief Gavin Spoors praised the film’s third act as “stellar”, describing it as an emotional thriller centred on revolution and collective responsibility.

We’ve seen this all before but #sunriseonthereaping stellar third act 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. pic.twitter.com/v4lQkVwAlq

— Gavin Spoors 🇵🇸 (@supergavigator) October 28, 2026

The film is based on Suzanne Collins’ 2025 novel and follows a young Haymitch as he struggles to survive the 50th Hunger Games.

Set 24 years before the original film, the prequel explores events that help shape the character familiar to audiences.

Director Francis Lawrence returns to the franchise, alongside a cast featuring Jesse Plemons, Ralph Fiennes, Kieran Culkin, Elle Fanning, Maya Hawke and Glenn Close.

The film is also generating interest for the confirmed returns of Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Harrelson as Katniss Everdeen, Peeta Mellark and Haymitch.

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on November 20, 2026.