‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ first reactions call it a franchise best: “More brutal than you could imagine”

The first critics’ reactions to The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping are in, following its premiere in London last night (Wednesday October 28). Set for release on November 20, the sixth film in the dystopian franchise serves as both a sequel to 2023’s The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes and a prequel to 2012’s The Hunger Games. Rising star Joseph Zada stars as Haymitch Abernathy, a younger version of Woody Harrelson’s character from the previous movies, joined by a slew of new cast members including Mckenna Grace, Whitney Peak, Jesse Plemons, Elle Fanning, Kieran Culkin, Glenn Close, Ralph Fiennes and Billy Porter. Meanwhile, OG Hunger Games stars Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Harrelson are all set to reprise their roles. #thehungergamessunriseonthereaping is the best Hunger Games yet. Beautiful cinematography and set designs with excellent acting, especially from Joseph Zada, to portray the most tragic story in the Hunger Games franchise. This one will make you cry @TheHungerGames @Lionsgate — clotilde chinnici (@filmswithcloe) October 28, 2026 Though full reviews remain under embargo, critics and influencers who attended the London premiere were e...