Lionsgate releases early reactions for 'Sunrise on the Reaping' ahead of November 20 launch
The studio permitted attendees of the October 28 London premiere to share limited feedback on social media before full reviews arrive.
By Abigail Brooks ·
Lionsgate allowed fans who attended the October 28 London premiere of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping to post limited reactions to the film on social media. This move occurred 23 days before the movie’s scheduled theatrical release on November 20. The studio has not yet released full critical reviews, which are expected closer to opening day.
The premiere took place on Wednesday, October 28, in London. Lionsgate described the film as a direct sequel to the 2023 movie The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. Both titles serve as prequels to the original four-film series released between 2012 and 2015. This new entry brings the total number of films in the franchise to six.
The narrative follows 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy, played by Joseph Zada, from District 12. The story begins on the morning of the 50th Annual Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell. This specific event features twice as many tributes as standard Games. The plot is set in the world of Panem 24 years before the events of the first movie in the main series.
In the film, Haymitch enters the arena and forms an alliance with fellow tribute Maysilee Donner, portrayed by Mckenna Grace. The character joins a coalition aiming to challenge Capitol control under President Snow, a role played by Ralph Fiennes. The synopsis states that Haymitch risks everything to take down the Games from within the arena. This action sets in motion a rebellion that will change Panem forever.
The cast also includes Jesse Plemons, Glenn Close, Kieran Culkin, Elle Fanning, Maya Hawke, Whitney Peak, and Kelvin Harrison Jr. Francis Lawrence directed the picture. The screenplay was written by Billy Ray and Michael Lesslie based on Suzanne Collins’ best-selling novel of the same name.
Lionsgate appears confident in the latest entry to the franchise. The studio allowed early social media posts from screenings held on October 28. Full critics reviews are not expected until much closer to the November 20 release date.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
