Suzanne Collins breaks her silence to praise the Sunrise on the Reaping movie

Suzanne Collins almost never speaks in public. So when the Hunger Games author popped up with a message about the new prequel film, fans noticed.

In a note shared on the movie's Instagram on Nov. 13, Collins said she "could not be more excited" for people to see The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. The film arrives in cinemas on Nov. 20.

What did she say?

Collins, 64, called the movie "a vibrant and devastating adaptation" of her novel. She gave credit to director Francis Lawrence and his team for putting on the finishing touches. She was not a producer on the film, which makes her praise feel even more like a genuine thumbs-up.

She also singled out the cast. Woody Harrelson, who returns as Haymitch Abernathy, got a shout-out for his "masterful depiction" in the original films. Joseph Zada, who plays the younger Haymitch, led the ensemble with what she called a "remarkably powerful and moving performance".

Collins said the return of Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson brings "such poignancy to the film". Together, she wrote, their characters "bridge Haymitch's Hunger Games to Katniss's tale". Of the whole cast, which also includes Elle Fanning and Ralph Fiennes, she said: "Gems, every last one."

Why is this such a big deal?

Collins lives out of the spotlight and has no social media. She has also skipped the press tour for this film. Her last public appearance was three years ago.

The message also thanked the screenwriters, the set designers and singer Noah Kahan, who wrote the original song "Draw You Out" for the movie.

Wait, remind me what this story is?

Sunrise on the Reaping is a prequel to the original trilogy. Collins published the novel on March 18, 2025. It follows a young Haymitch during the 50th Hunger Games. Lionsgate announced the film adaptation in March 2024, with Francis Lawrence returning as director.

What's next?

The film opens on Nov. 20. Collins ended her note by thanking readers who made all five of her novels bestsellers. "I feel such deep appreciation for your continued presence in Panem," she wrote, before signing off: "May the odds be EVER in your favor!"