‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ First Reactions: Critics Call Prequel the ‘Rogue One’ of the Franchise, Praise Joseph Zada as Haymitch

The first reactions to “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping” are in, and the sixth installment in the blockbuster franchise is being hailed as a “perfect adaptation” that injects fresh energy into the series. Following 2023’s “The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes,” this new prequel focuses on a young Haymitch Abernathy, played by Joseph Zada, during the 50th Hunger Games. Critics are drawing comparisons to “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” praising the film for expanding the world while delivering a self-contained, emotionally resonant story. The early buzz suggests that “Sunrise on the Reaping” could be a major box office hit and a critical darling, potentially reinvigorating interest in Suzanne Collins’ dystopian universe. With its darker tone and focus on a fan-favorite character, the film appears poised to satisfy both longtime readers and newcomers. The countdown to the official theatrical release just got more exciting.