A critic says much of the new Hunger Games prequel rests on Zada's shoulders, ahead of its Nov. 20 release.
Early reactions to The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping are in after its red carpet premiere in London on Wednesday, and several critics praise Joseph Zada. He plays a young Haymitch Abernathy, taking over the role from Woody Harrelson, and the film follows him as he fights to survive while competing in the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Quarter Quell.
Francis Lawrence directed the film, the sixth in the series and the second prequel after The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes from 2023. It is set 24 years before the first movie and is based on Suzanne Collins' 2025 novel of the same name.
The reactions come from critics and film writers who have seen the film, plus fans posting on X.
Critic Griffin Schiller called the film the "Rogue One/Andor of the franchise" on X. "A sobering, yet powerful story of devastating loss and the necessary cost of rebellion for a sunrise we may never see," he wrote.
Schiller also wrote about Zada's performance on X:
"Completely floored by his performance. So charismatic, lovable, tender, and honest; he perfectly captures Haymitch's love of people, pain, and rebellious spirit."
Matt Neglia, editor-in-chief of Next Best Picture, wrote in his review that the film "features some of the best casting of the year." He added that "Joseph Zada is beyond impressive in a highly demanding role that pushes him to the limit physically and emotionally."
Collider's Perri Nemiroff wrote: "One of the biggest highlights? Joseph Zada," and said that "SO much of this movie is on his shoulders, and he soars tackling every ounce of it."
Lauren LaMagna, an editor at Next Best Picture, wrote on X: "Joseph Zada is heartbreakingly radiant as Haymitch."
Nina Starner wrote that "Casting is phenomenal (Joseph Zada couldn't be better)," and called the film "a worthy addition to the franchise."
Much of the buzz is about the return of Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Harrelson as Katniss, Peeta and Haymitch. Those who have read the book are aware that the novel closes with a flash-forward epilogue starring the three characters, which suggests the movie adaptation is doing the same.
Jennifer Lawrence described reprising Katniss on the Call Her Daddy podcast. "It was unbelievable," she said. She added: "Josh and I didn't walk to the bathroom without our arms around each other."
The film opens in theaters on Nov. 20 from Lionsgate.
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