New Hunger Games Prequel Wins Praise, Highlights Joseph Zada’s Haymitch

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping premiered and critics are calling it a perfect adaptation that injects fresh life into the series. The film is the second prequel, following 2023's The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, and adapts Suzanne Collins' 2025 novel of the same name. Set 24 years before the original movies, it follows a young Haymitch (Joseph Zada) as he battles in the 50th Hunger Games.

Reaction

Film critic Griffin Schiller likened the movie to the franchise's Rogue One, praising its sobering story of loss and rebellion. Gavin Spoors highlighted the third act as stellar and praised Zada’s performance as a star. Matt Neglia said the casting is among the year's best, noting Glenn Close’s scene‑stealing turn and Jesse Plemons channeling Philip Seymour Hoffman’s spirit. He added that Francis Lawrence’s direction adds new thematic layers and that the production and costume design shine. Lauren LaMagna and Collider’s Perri Nemiroff both singled out Zada as the standout, calling his portrayal of Haymitch radiant and jaw‑dropping. Nina Starner called the film a worthy addition that looks terrifyingly real and bridges the gap between the original saga and The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. The film will open in theaters on Nov. 20 via Lionsgate and brings back Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Woody Harrelson in their original roles, echoing the novel’s flash‑forward epilogue.

Context

The prequel continues the franchise’s pattern of expanding the world through younger versions of key characters, a strategy that has kept fans engaged after the original trilogy ended. Francis Lawrence returns as director, a role he has held for every sequel except the first film.