Critics Praise Joseph Zada as Haymitch in Prequel — SkimNews
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- Joseph Zada takes over the role of Haymitch from Woody Harrelson in the prequel, drawing unanimous praise: Lauren LaMagna called him "a star is born role," Matt Neglia said he was "beyond impressive," and Perri Nemiroff said the film is "so much" on his shoulders and that he "soars."
- Griffin Schiller called the sixth installment the "Rogue One" and "Andor" of the franchise, describing "a sobering, yet powerful story of devastating loss and the necessary cost of rebellion" and calling it a "perfect adaptation."
- Matt Neglia said the film features "some of the best casting of the year," singled out Glenn Close as a "scene-stealer," praised Jesse Plemons for embodying the spirit of the late Philip Seymour Hoffman, and called the production and costume design "dazzling highlights."
- Suzanne Collins' 2025 novel was adapted into a film set 24 years before the first Hunger Games movie, following a young Haymitch as he fights to survive while competing in the 50th Hunger Games.
- Francis Lawrence returns to direct every Hunger Games installment except the first, directed by Gary Ross; Neglia said if this is his last film in the series, "it's a good way to go out," calling the installment "full circle" with Haymitch as the franchise's "beating heart."
- Jennifer Lawrence told the "Call Her Daddy" podcast that reprising Katniss was "so emotional" and "so beautiful," adding that she and Josh Hutcherson "didn't walk to the bathroom without our arms around each other," with the returning Katniss, Peeta and Haymitch tied to the novel's flash-forward epilogue.
- Lionsgate opens "Sunrise on the Reaping" in theaters Nov. 20; the second Hunger Games prequel follows 2023's "The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes" and casts Ralph Fiennes as President Snow, Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman, Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket, Maya Hawke as Wiress and Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee.
Why it matters: For Lionsgate, the Nov. 20 opening extends the Hunger Games line into a second prequel after 2023's "Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes," and the review consensus hands the franchise's emotional center to newcomer Joseph Zada rather than the returning trio, whose appearances are confined to a flash-forward epilogue.
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