Hunger Games: the first reactions to Sunrise at the Harvest are excellent
The prequel dedicated to Haymitch Abernathy impressed those who attended the first screenings, especially the performance of Joseph Zada. Some already see it as one of the great revealing roles of the year.
Revolt is brewing again in Panem.
Previewed in London last night, Hunger Games: Sunrise over the Harvest received very positive initial feedback. And one name comes up in almost all the reviews: Joseph Zada, recently seen in the series East of Eden on Netflixn, who plays young Haymitch, a character made famous by Woody Harrelson in the original saga.
Directed by Francis Lawrence, this new part takes place 24 years before the adventures of Katniss Everdeen. It recounts Haymitch’s participation in the 50th Hunger Games, a particularly cruel edition called the Second Atonement, or Quarter Quell. At his side, we will notably find Mckenna Grace and Ralph Fiennes. Released on November 18 in France.
For the critic of The Playlistthe film is downright “Rogue One/Andor of the Franchise”. He greets “a serious, yet powerful, story of devastating loss” and believes that Joseph Zada is “a revelation”. The actor is described as “charismatic, endearing, tender and sincere”. The journalist also applauds the way Francis Lawrence captures “the galvanizing spark of the revolution”before concluding that the outcome constitutes “a real punch in the stomach”.
#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 pave 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
Same enthusiasm among Colliderwhich highlights the technical success of the film and its narrative “thrilling”. Here again, Joseph Zada impresses: the critic confides having been several times “jaw on the ground” in front of his performance. She particularly salutes its ability to restore both “the warmth and charm of Haymitch” And “his rage and his sorrow”a balance that she considers remarkable.
The Hunger Games franchise remains a favorite. THE HUNGER GAMES: SUNRISE ON THE REAPING rocks a tone 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 bad machine. One of the biggest highlights? Joseph Zada. I had high hopes for him after watching We Were Liars, but he had my jaw on the floor time and time again during Sunrise on the Reaping. His ability to capture Haymitch’s warmth and charm and then weave that into the rage and heartbreak the Hunger Games sparks is 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 (@PNemiroff) October 28, 2026
Matt Neglia, editor-in-chief of Next Best Picturealso highlights the casting, which he considers one of the most successful of the year: “Many actors breathe new life into familiar characters, making them their own while preserving the qualities that made them so captivating in the first place”he writes. The critic particularly highlights the presence of Glenn Close, whom he describes as a real scene-stealer with her “face that gives you chills”as well as that of Jesse Plemons, who according to him finds the spirit of the immense Philip Seymour Hoffman, who died in 2014. But it is still Joseph Zada who catches his attention: “He is absolutely impressive in an extremely demanding role, one that pushes him to his physical and emotional limits. He perfectly captures the essence of Haymitch, with all the compassion, charm and bitterness that Woody Harrelson brought to the character.”
Matt Neglia also takes the opportunity to salute the work of Francis Lawrence, who according to him continues to explore new facets of this universe, both thematically and stylistically. The sets and costumes are among the film’s great successes. And if the director were to leave the franchise after this episode, the critic believes that it would be a great way to conclude: “This final installment comes full circle with the character who has always been the beating heart of the saga.”
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 films, 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
His colleague from Next Best PictureLauren LaMagna, shares this enthusiasm. “The rebellion ignites in SUNRISE ON THE REAPING. Francis Lawrence continues to breathe new life into this universe. The unique settings prevent familiar passages from becoming too repetitive. Joseph Zada is moving and luminous in the role of Haymitch. It’s a role that reveals a star.”
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
Finally, Nina Starner, of Static Media, believes that the choice of Joseph Zada “couldn’t be better”. She describes the film as “a worthy addition to the franchise”which appears “terribly real” and perfectly links the original saga and The Ballad of the Serpent and the Songbird.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is a worthy addition to the franchise. Casting is phenomenal (Joseph Zada couldn’t be better), it looks and feels terrifyingly real, and it bridges the gap perfectly between the original stories and Ballad. A from me. https://t.co/Npl2MxnLYZ
— nina(delphia) (existential dread version) (@ninastarner) October 28, 2026
