Entertainment · Film · 3 hrs ago
First reactions praise The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping
Early reactions to The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping are positive, with critics praising its performances and direction.
The film is based on Suzanne Collins’ novel and is the fifth movie in the Hunger Games franchise.
It follows Haymitch Abernathy, played by Joseph Zada, decades before he becomes a mentor to Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark.
The story takes place during the Second Quarter Quell, the 50th Hunger Games, where 48 tributes compete instead of the usual 24.
Critics have singled out Zada’s portrayal of Haymitch, as well as the performances of Mckenna Grace and Jesse Plemons.
Some reactions praise the film’s production design and emotional story, while others say its themes include the cost of rebellion.
The reactions are preliminary, and the sources do not say when the film will be released.
The first reactions to The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping praise the film and Joseph Zada’s performance as Haymitch.
Critics describe it as a strong addition to the franchise, with some calling it a near-perfect adaptation or among the series’ best films.
Reviewers also praise the performances, production design and third act.
The film is based on Suzanne Collins’ novel and is set during the 50th Hunger Games.
It is the second Hunger Games prequel movie, following 2023’s The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.
- Who
- Film critics and press members shared reactions; Joseph Zada stars as Haymitch.
- What
- First reactions praised The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, including its performances, production design and story.
- When
- The articles were published on Oct. 28 and Oct. 29, 2026; the film had officially premiered by the time Variety reported on it.
- Where
- Not stated.
- Why
- Not stated.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Screen Rant reported that the first reactions to the film had arrived.
Variety reported that the film had officially premiered and that press members were sharing reactions.
- Film title
- The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping
- Lead role
- Joseph Zada plays Haymitch Abernathy
- Story setting
- The 50th Hunger Games, also called the Second Quarter Quell
- Tributes
- 48, rather than the usual 24
- Prequel predecessor
- The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, released in 2023
2 sources
What people are saying
It’s [a] sobering, yet powerful story of devastating loss and the necessary cost of rebellion for a sunrise we may never see.
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
His ability to capture Haymitch’s warmth and charm and then weave that into the rage and heartbreak the Hunger Games sparks is superb.
Joseph Zada is heartbreakingly radiant as Haymitch. A star is born role.
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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
#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
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