The first reactions to The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping are beginning to arrive following the film’s London premiere, giving fans an early look at the highly anticipated return to Panem.
Directed by Francis Lawrence, the latest installment in the franchise held its premiere on October 28, with select attendees sharing reactions on social media. Full reviews are expected closer to the film’s theatrical debut on November 20.
Based on Suzanne Collins’ bestselling novel of the same name, Sunrise on the Reaping takes audiences back to Panem 24 years before the events of the original Hunger Games films.
The story follows a 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy (Joseph Zada) on the morning of the 50th annual Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell. Unlike previous competitions, this year’s Games feature twice as many tributes, making it one of the deadliest events in Panem’s history.
As Haymitch enters the arena, he forms an unexpected alliance with fellow tribute Maysilee Donner (Mckenna Grace) and becomes involved in a larger effort to challenge the Capitol’s control under President Snow (Ralph Fiennes).
The film features an ensemble cast that includes Whitney Peak, Jesse Plemons, Glenn Close, Kieran Culkin, Elle Fanning, Maya Hawke and Kelvin Harrison Jr.
With the first reactions now emerging, anticipation is building for the next chapter in the Hunger Games universe. Audiences will get to see Haymitch’s story unfold when The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping arrives exclusively in theaters on November 20, 2026. Here are some of our favorite fan reactions.
We’ve seen this all before but #sunriseonthereaping stellar third act pulls the rug out underneath you.
Anchored by terrific performances (Zada is a star), this emotional thriller nails the themes of the cost of revolution and how we all need to play our part. https://t.co/v4lQkVwAlq
— Gavin Spoors 🇵🇸 (@supergavigator) October 28, 2026
#TheHungerGames Sunrise on the Reaping is a beautiful, bittersweet story that translates very well to film. Joseph Zada, Mckenna Grace, and Jesse Plemons give especially powerful performances, but the entire ensemble of young tributes and District 12 loved ones are wonderful. https://t.co/rKBseofEDu
— The Distracted Tatiana (@myrcellasear) October 28, 2026
I watched #TheHungerGames📷: Sunrise on the Reaping and Joseph Zada ran me through an emotional gauntlet as Haymitch. He had me crying half the time while McKenna Grace had me falling in love w/ her again. And seeing Katniss & Peeta… 😭 The fanedits are going to kill me❤️ https://t.co/T5j9BWGKQ4
— Lyra 🇵🇷🏳️🌈✍️ (@MsLyraHale) October 28, 2026
SUNRISE ON THE REAPING is easily the best film in the Hunger Games franchise. Joseph Zada is electrifying as Haymitch, and the cast is true to the characters we’re introduced to in the book. Filled with all-fire, it’s a MUST-SEE in theaters -@nikita_francois @Lionsgate https://t.co/q0lefvD8hh
— The Nerds of Color (@TheNerdsofColor) October 28, 2026
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