Skip to contentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleWant to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Membership today.Join todayAlready a member? Log inShahana YasminThursday 29 October 2026 07:34 GMTThe Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping teaserEarly reviews for the upcoming prequel film The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping have hailed it as the best instalment in the franchise, with critics praising its powerful depiction of loss and rebellion.Based on Suzanne Collins's 2025 novel and directed by Francis Lawrence, the film follows a 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy as he fights for survival during the brutal 50th Hunger Games.Actor Joseph Zada has drawn standout acclaim for his lead performance as the young Haymitch, alongside high praise for co-star Mckenna Grace, who portrays fellow tribute Maysilee Donner.The movie features an extensive ensemble cast including Elle Fanning, Kieran Culkin, Ralph Fiennes, Glenn Close, and Jesse Plemons, alongside emotional appearances from original franchise stars Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, and Woody Harrelson.The film is scheduled to open in cinemas on 20 November, continuing the hugely successful dystopian saga that previously grossed more than $3.3bn globally.In fullHunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping hailed as ‘best yet’ in rave first reactionsMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in