Apparently, Panem still has a few stories left to tell.
The first reactions to The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping are finally here, and some early viewers are already calling it one of the franchise’s strongest films.
The upcoming prequel premiered in London on October 28, giving critics and invited guests their first opportunity to see the movie before its theatrical release.
And one actor is getting a lot of attention.
Meet the young Haqymitch.
If you’ve watched the original Hunger Games movies, you already know Haymitch Abernathy as the sarcastic, often drunk mentor played by Woody Harrelson.
But long before he became Katniss Everdeen’s mentor, Haymitch had his own terrifying experience inside the arena.
Sunrise on the Reaping takes us back to the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell.
This time, the story follows 16-year-old Haymitch, played by Joseph Zada, as he’s selected to compete in a particularly brutal edition of the Games.
The cast also includes Elle Fanning, Mckenna Grace, Maya Hawke, Kieran Culkin and Ralph Fiennes.
And the first reactions?
Early viewers have praised the film’s emotional weight, performances and darker storytelling.
Joseph Zada’s portrayal of Haymitch has become one of the biggest talking points, with several critics highlighting his ability to bring a familiar character’s past to life.
Some reactions have even described the prequel as the best entry in the franchise so far.
Of course, these are early responses from a premiere, not the final critical consensus.
But the excitement is already building.
The film is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on November 20, 2026.
For fans who have spent years wondering what happened to Haymitch before Katniss entered the picture, the wait is almost over.
And judging by the first reactions, his story might be even more heartbreaking than expected.
