First reactions to 'Sunrise on the Reaping' call it the best Hunger Games film yet

The Hunger Games franchise has a new standout moment — and a new star. After its red carpet premiere in London on Wednesday, first reactions to 'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping' have landed with unusual force, with multiple critics calling the Francis Lawrence-directed prequel the best film in the series and singling out unknown lead Joseph Zada as a revelation in the role of a young Haymitch Abernathy.

The film — the sixth in the franchise and the second prequel, following 2023's 'The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes' — is set 24 years before Katniss Everdeen's story. Drawn from Suzanne Collins's 2025 novel, the story centers on Haymitch, a 16-year-old from District 12, who is reaped into the 50th Hunger Games — the Second Quarter Quell — leaving behind his family and the girl he loves to fight in an arena he suspects was designed for him to fail.

Zada, who plays the younger version of Woody Harrelson's Haymitch, has drawn the most sustained praise. Collider critic Perri Nemiroff wrote that he had her 'jaw on the floor time and time again,' and described his range across the film as '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.— Perri Nemiroff, Collider

Film Speak critic Griffin Schiller reached for a comparison that will resonate with franchise fans of another kind, calling the film the 'Rogue One/Andor of the franchise' — a standalone prequel that deepens the mythology rather than retreading it.

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 for a more perfect adaptation. Francis Lawrence beautifully captures the invigorating spark of revolution and the tragedy of Haymitch's journey, culminating in a resounding gut punch.— Griffin Schiller, Film Speak

Zada earned the label 'a revelation' from Schiller, who added that 'in a series full of incredible performances, his might be the best behind Lawrence' — a reference to Jennifer Lawrence's Katniss Everdeen across the original four films.

'SUNRISE ON THE REAPING' is easily the best film in the Hunger Games franchise. Joseph Zada is electrifying as Haymitch, and the cast is true to the characters we're introduced to in the book. Filled with all-fire, it's a MUST-SEE in theaters.— Nikita Francois, The Nerds of Color

The supporting cast has also drawn attention. Next Best Picture editor-in-chief Matt Neglia praised what he called 'some of the best casting of the year,' singling out Glenn Close as a 'scene-stealer' and crediting Jesse Plemons with 'embodying the spirit of the late great Philip Seymour Hoffman,' according to The Independent. Collider's Nemiroff also singled out Mckenna Grace, who plays Maysilee Donner, as 'a total pro at establishing Maysilee's simmering ferocity.'

While FilmHounds Magazine editor-in-chief Gavin Spoors conceded that seasoned franchise fans may recognize familiar story beats, he said 'a stellar third act pulls the rug out underneath you.' For ScreenRant's Tatiana Hullender, the film amounts to 'a beautiful, bittersweet story that translates very well to film.'

Among those returning are original franchise stars Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, and Harrelson. On the Call Her Daddy podcast, Lawrence described the cast reunion as 'so emotional,' saying of herself and Hutcherson: 'We didn't walk to the bathroom without our arms around each other.' The original four Hunger Games films, released between 2012 and 2015, grossed over $3.3 billion worldwide, according to The Independent.

These are first reactions only — formal reviews are still pending. 'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping' opens in theaters on November 20, 2026.

Why it matters — First reactions suggest the Hunger Games franchise may have its strongest entry yet, with a newcomer performance that critics say could launch a major career — and a November 2026 release that will test whether the prequel era can match the original saga's cultural and commercial reach.

Reported by variety.com, thewrap.com, digitalspy.com, independent.co.uk, comingsoon.net