Lionsgate hosted a high-profile London fan screening for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping on October 28, 2026, drawing glowing first reactions from film critics who hailed the sixth installment as a near-perfect adaptation and the franchise’s best entry yet ahead of its November 20 theatrical release.
The sixth installment of the dystopian film franchise brought its starry cast and eager fans to the U.K. capital for a red-carpet event at Westfield London and HMV Westfield Shopping Centre. Stars including Joseph Zada, Whitney Peak, Ralph Fiennes, Elle Fanning, and Kieran Culkin walked the carpet alongside director Francis Lawrence and original trilogy veterans, offering a glimpse at a prequel that early viewers are already comparing favorably to the series’ high-water marks. Additional attendees at the star-studded London fan screening included Mckenna Grace, Jesse Plemons, Glenn Close, Sir Rod Stewart, Lady Penny Lancaster, Laura Marcus, Serafin Mishiev, and producer Nina Jacobson.
Joseph Zada Steps Into the Arena as Haymitch Abernathy
At the center of the early praise is newcomer Joseph Zada, who inherits the role of sixteen-year-old Haymitch Abernathy from District 12. Torn away from his family and the girl he loves, Haymitch enters an arena where he believes he has been set up to lose, but ultimately begins to fight back against the Capitol’s brutal system and risks everything to take down the Games from within.
See #TheHungerGames: Sunrise on the Reaping at sunrise. For one morning only, experience the film at first light.Wednesday 18 November | 7:30am | The Avenue | Special host to be announced pic.twitter.com/qWgqhXS69E
Critics wasted no time singling out Zada’s physical and emotional command of the demanding lead role. Film Speak critic Griffin Schiller hailed the prequel as a sobering exploration of loss and rebellion, describing the lead actor as a revelation who captures Haymitch’s rebellious spirit. Filmhounds Magazine editor-in-chief Gavin Spoors praised the film’s stellar third act, noting that the emotional thriller features terrific performances that nail the themes of the cost of revolution and how individuals must play their part. Nikita Francois of The Nerds of Color described the project as easily the best film in the franchise.
Elle Fanning Embodies Effie Trinket’s Avant-Garde Style in London
While Zada dominated the screen, Elle Fanning commanded attention off-screen by embracing the maximalist aesthetic of her character.
#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… pic.twitter.com/EC98k42mQt
During their conversation for People, Banks gushed that watching Fanning come on screen felt like a breath of fresh air. Fanning also discussed her preferences for direct filmmaking guidance, noting that she appreciates simple cues from directors such as fast, slow, angrier, or sadder.
An Ensemble Cast and the Return of Franchise Veterans
Beyond the lead performances, critics praised the film’s stacked supporting cast. Francis Lawrence directed the feature using a screenplay written by Billy Ray and Michael Lesslie based on Suzanne Collins’s best-selling book. Ralph Fiennes takes on the role of President Snow, Kieran Culkin plays Caesar Flickerman, Maya Hawke appears as Wiress, Whitney Peak plays a new character, and Kelvin Harrison Jr. rounds out major credited roles alongside Lili Taylor.
The film bridges past and present by incorporating a flash-forward epilogue from Collins’s novel featuring original franchise stars Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, and Woody Harrelson.
The Road to the November 20 Theatrical Release
Lionsgate has expressed strong confidence in the project by permitting early reactions to surface weeks ahead of the official premiere, setting a distinct contrast with typical studio embargoes. The previous four films, which ran from 2012 to 2015, grossed over $3.3bn worldwide under the banner of the authoritarian Capitol’s televised bloodsports.
THE HUNGER GAMES: SUNRISE ON THE REAPING feels like the follow up to Catching Fire I have always wanted. It’s a near perfect Hunger Games movie that is more brutal than you could imagine. Joseph Zada embodies a more hopeful Haymitch that I was enamoured to see evolve into the… pic.twitter.com/XliscK3ozs
As the film prepares to open globally in the United States and international markets on November 20, reviewers have positioned it as a darker, politically charged entry that serves as a direct sequel to 2023’s The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.
More on Hunger Games
We’ve seen this all before but #sunriseonthereaping stellar third act pulls the rug out underneath you. Anchored by terrific performances (Zada is a star), this emotional thriller nails the themes of the cost of revolution and how we all need to play our part. pic.twitter.com/v4lQkVwAlq
SUNRISE ON THE REAPING is easily the best film in the Hunger Games franchise. Joseph Zada is electrifying as Haymitch, and the cast is true to the characters we’re introduced to in the book. Filled with all-fire, it's a MUST-SEE in theaters -@nikita_francois @Lionsgate pic.twitter.com/q0lefvD8hh
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… pic.twitter.com/G2vIUVe8yR
The Hunger Games franchise remains a favorite. THE HUNGER GAMES: SUNRISE ON THE REAPING rocks a ton 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… pic.twitter.com/Hab3Hs0Php
#TheHungerGames Sunrise on the Reaping is a beautiful, bittersweet story that translates very well to film. Joseph Zada, Mckenna Grace, and Jesse Plemons give especially powerful performances, but the entire ensemble of young tributes and District 12 loved ones are wonderful. pic.twitter.com/rKBseofEDu
I watched #SunriseOnTheReaping, and was on the edge of my seat until the very end. Fans of the novel will not be disappointed, especially with the ending. Joseph Zada finds his footing as a youthful Haymitch – Jesse Plemmons is another expected standout. Emotional and powerful! pic.twitter.com/n6VrVCG8Xy
After walking out of the @TheHungerGames #sunriseonthereaping UK premiere, I can officially say this is a true reflection of the books with fantastic performances all round. Visually bold, action packed set pieces and emotional moments that’ll make you tear up, this is a film… pic.twitter.com/n8nJesItql
Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping continues pushing the franchise into darker, politically relevant territory. Strong, renewed focus on propaganda specifically that really lands. Whole cast shines, especially the newcomers taking on legacy characters…
I saw #SunriseOnTheReaping tonight and OH BOY DOES IT DELIVER.Unlike any Hunger Games film before it. Forget everything you think you know about the Games. This film takes the blueprint and redefines it TENFOLD. Fellow Tributes? You’re in good hands. You can rest. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/KkDkfMHUB0
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 pic.twitter.com/ezlJ4PV0cM
#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
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping hits theatres November 20 with young Haymitch and a star-studded cast. Noah Kahan and the Smashing Pumpkins bring new music to the soundtrack, too. Here's all you need to know: https://t.co/tmzQtGSIUC
Elle Fanning stuns for the UK premiere of ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ pic.twitter.com/4Jtt8nSkHd
Glenn Close meets a fan at the UK premiere of ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ pic.twitter.com/BhSuwtCmiY