‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ Is ‘Easily the Best’ in the Franchise, First Reactions Say

 Initial reactions to *The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping* have come in after the film, directed by Francis Lawrence, premiered on the red carpet in London.Some people are calling it "easily the best film" in the entire franchise.

This highly anticipated prequel features Joseph Zada as the younger version of Woody Harrelson's Haymitch Abernathy, who was the winner of the 50th Hunger Games, known as the Quarter Quell.

From what's being shared online, Zada's performance as Haymitch is getting a lot of praise and might help him become a superstar.

Nerds of Color author Nikita Francois said on Wednesday, "Sunrise on the Reaping is easily the best film in the Hunger Games franchise.

Joseph Zada is electrifying as Haymitch, and the cast feels true to the characters from the book.It’s full of fire and is a MUST-SEE in theaters."

Collider’s Perri Nemiroff also shared similar thoughts.

She wrote on X, "The Hunger Games franchise remains a favorite.Sunrise on the Reaping has a lot of stunning craftsmanship, another great cast, and an exciting story that reminds us that nothing is inevitable and that it's possible to change a bad system."

She added, "One of the biggest highlights?

Joseph Zada.I had high hopes for him after watching *We Were Liars*, but he had me speechless during Sunrise on the Reaping.His ability to show Haymitch's warmth and charm, then turn that into rage and heartbreak, is superb.A lot of this movie is on his shoulders, and he does a great job.This is only the beginning for Zada."

Critic Griffin Schiller also praised the prequel, calling it the "Rogue One/Andor of the franchise."

He wrote on X, "A sobering but powerful story of devastating loss and the cost of rebellion for a sunrise we may never see.

As a big fan of the series and especially this book, I couldn't have asked for a better adaptation.Francis Lawrence beautifully captures the spark of revolution and the tragedy of Haymitch’s journey, ending with a strong emotional punch."

He continued, "Zada is a revelation.

I was completely floored by his performance.He's so charismatic, lovable, tender, and honest.He perfectly captures Haymitch's love for people, his pain, and rebellious spirit.In a series full of amazing performances, his might be the best behind Lawrence.He's seriously THAT good."

That's just a small part of the positive feedback online.

The film stars Joseph Zada, Mckenna Grace, Jesse Plemons, Ralph Fiennes, Glenn Close, Kieran Culkin, Elle Fanning, and Billy Porter, among many other notable actors.

The official logline says, "Sunrise on the Reaping explores Panem 24 years before Katniss's story, starting on the morning of the reaping for the 50th Hunger Games, where a young Haymitch Abernathy takes part."

*The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping* is set to be released in theaters on November 20, 2026.