'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping' Impressions Are Nothing But Positive
Sunrise on the Reaping hits theaters on November 20, 2026.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping first impressions have already started coming out after the London premiere event this Wednesday (28) and no compliments were spared.
The feature film is, according to critic Griffin Schiller, "the Rogue One/Andor of the franchise" and a "sobering, yet powerful story of devastating loss and the necessary cost of rebellion for a sunrise we may never see".
Joseph Zada and McKenna Grace were frequently praised by their performances of, respectively, Haymitch Abernathy and Maysilee Donner. "Joseph Zada's performance deeply moves and there isn't a better choice to portray Haymitch", said Capricho's Anny Caroline. Other early reviews affirm that Sunrise on the Reaping is the "best film in the Hunger Games franchise" and highlighted that "the unique production design doesn’t let familiar beats get too dull".
The rebellion is sparking with SUNRISE ON THE REAPING. Francis Lawrence continues to breathe new life into this world. The unique production design doesn’t let familiar beats get too dull. Joseph Zada is heartbreakingly radiant as Haymitch. A star is born role #TheHungerGames https://t.co/ezlJ4PV0cM
— Lauren (@laurenlamango) October 28, 2026
#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 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. Joseph Zada is a revelation. Completely floored by his performance. So charismatic, lovable, tender, and honest; he perfectly captures Haymitch’s love of people, pain, and rebellious spirit. In a series full of incredible performances, his might be the best behind Lawrence. He’s seriously THAT good. Like the book, the film challenges our own implicit submission and acceptance of terms we’ve never agreed to when the odds ARE in our favor. It sympathizes with how easy it is to feel hopeless and apathetic about the world today, how futile resistance seems, yet insists that every small act of defiance paves the way for future change, that every platform we have, for as briefly we have it, is a chance to reclaim control over the narrative. Not because that change is immediate, but because what other choice do we have? Lawrence has always excelled at squaring our growing nihilism with the desire to disrupt the system, and Sunrise allows him to interrogate that tension more directly to great effect. I’ve always maintained that The Hunger Games is one of our most consistent and vital franchises, and Sunrise on the Reaping makes it abundantly clear why the series has transcended the YA boom of the 2010s and is needed today more than ever.
— Griffin Schiller (@griffschiller) October 28, 2026
Minhas primeiras impressões de Amanhecer na Colheita: fiquei com uma onda de adrenalina depois de sair da sessão. A performance do Joseph Zada emociona profundamente e não existe uma escolha melhor para interpretar o Haymitch #sunriseonthereaping
— anny caroline guerrera (@annycguerrera) October 28, 2026
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 @Lionsgate https://t.co/q0lefvD8hh
— The Nerds of Color (@TheNerdsofColor) October 28, 2026
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 horror-inducing face, is a scene-stealer as is Jesse Plemons embodying the spirit of the late great Philip Seymour Hoffman. Joseph Zada 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. I’m continually blown away by how Francis Lawrence continues to find more layers in this familiar structure thematically and stylistically as the production and costume design continue to be dazzling highlights. If this is to be the end of his time working on these movies, it’s a good way to go out as this latest installment brings the franchise full circle with the character that’s always been the beating heart at its center.
— Matt Neglia (@NextBestPicture) October 28, 2026
Everything you need to know about The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping
Once again directed by Francis Lawrence, who helmed every feature film in the saga except the first, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping adapts the book of the same name released early in 2025. It was also announced that Billy Ray wrote the screenplay.
The film’s cast includes some major names. Joseph Zada will play the lead, Haymitch Abernathy, who was portrayed by Woody Harrelson in the films starring Jennifer Lawrence. Elle Fanning will play Effie Trinket, McKenna Grace is Maysilee Donner, Maya Hawke will play Wiress, and Ben Wang plays Wyatt Callow. Among the older characters are Ralph Fiennes as President Snow, Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman, Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, Glenn Close as Drusilla Sickle, Scot Greenan as Burdock Everdeen, Grace Ackary as Astric March, Melody Chikakane Brown as Meeney, and Jefferson White as Mr. McCoy.
The the official synopsis of the book reads: "As the day dawns on the 50th annual Hunger Games, fear grips the districts of Panem. This year, in honor of the Quarter Quell, twice as many tributes will be taken from their homes. Back in District 12, Haymitch Abernathy is trying not to think too hard about his chances. All he cares about is making it through the day and being with the girl he loves. When Haymitch’s name is called, he can feel all his dreams break. He’s torn from his family and his love, shuttled to the Capitol with the three other District 12 tributes: a young friend who’s nearly a sister to him, a compulsive oddsmaker, and the most stuck-up girl in town. As the Games begin, Haymitch understands he’s been set up to fail. But there’s something in him that wants to fight ... and have that fight reverberate far beyond the deadly arena".
Sunrise on the Reaping hits theaters on November 20, 2026.
