The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping officially premiered in London for various members of the film press, and to anyone worried that this franchise was stalling out, they need not fear, according to the early first reactions for the sixth installment of the dystopian film series. Lionsgate gambled on 2023’s The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, the first entry without star Jennifer Lawrence, and the results were fine but not spectacular, with a global take of $361 million on a $100 million budget. Despite a mixed critical response, the studio felt more could come from returning to Panem, and it looks like they were right, as Sunrise on the Reaping looks like a win.
What Are The First Reactions Saying?
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is getting an early response that most franchises dream of. Some are calling it powerful, while comparing it to Rogue One in terms of its depiction of the cost of rebellion. Others are calling it a perfect adaptation, while more responses point to the film’s third act as a stellar piece of work that has an outcome that resonates on a visceral and emotional level. The film’s casting is also getting kudos, with Joseph Zada earning raves for his portrayal of Haymitch. Some critics say that a star is born after watching his portrayal and that the sky is the limit for the actor after this. Also receiving near-universal praise is director Francis Lawrence, who is said to continue to breathe new life into the long-running franchise that allows for more layers to be discovered in its narrative. He’s earning credit for scenes of high-stakes action as well as character-driven drama that makes it shine above its counterparts. You can check out some of the first reactions below!
What Is The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping About?
Directed by Francis Lawrence and from a screenplay by Billy Ray and Michael Lesslie, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is based on the 2025 novel by Suzanne Collins and serves as both a sequel to The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes and a prequel to The Hunger Games. In the film, which takes place 24 years before the events of the first movie, a 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy (Joseph Zada) has been selected to compete in the 50th Hunger Games. However, every 25th edition of the games offers a twist to the annual rules. Each district of Panem has to send twice the number of tributes to the Capitol in this fight to the death. The film also stars Jesse Plemons, Ralph Fiennes, Glenn Close, Kieran Culkin, Elle Fanning, Mckenna Grace, Maya Hawke, Whitney Peak, and Kelvin Harrison Jr.
If there is a sign that Sunrise on the Reaping is about to take off when it’s released in November, it’s its pre-sales. The film reportedly exploded when pre-sales went live, and even though reported tracking is seeing a $60 million opening, the pre-sales point to an opening of $100 million+. For comparison, the previous installment, The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, opened to $44 million. That result allowed it to top the box office, but it was the lowest start of the franchise to date. With strong early reactions and robust pre-sales, it looks like The Hunger Games franchise is back on track.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping hits screens on Nov. 20.
Reviews