The ‘Hunger Games’ prequel’s first reactions are glowing. They’re not reviews.

The first reactions are already loud

A London fan screening on Oct. 28 produced the first wave of social-media reactions to The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. The Associated Press reported that cast members including Joseph Zada, Elle Fanning and Ralph Fiennes met reporters at a fan event; Digital Spy says viewers shared first takes after the UK screening. apnews +1

The praise singles out Zada as young Haymitch. Variety quoted critics calling the adaptation a “perfect” or “worthy” addition, while ScreenRant’s Tatiana Hullender called it “beautiful” and “bittersweet.” variety +1 Digital Spy picked up a post calling it “the best Hunger Games yet.” digitalspy

That is promising for a prequel, but these are selected early posts, not a broad audience poll or a Rotten Tomatoes score. The articles quote social reactions rather than formal reviews, so they capture a first impression—not how moviegoers at large will respond. variety +1 Digital Spy also identifies them as first reactions after a fan screening. digitalspy

A familiar mentor, recast as the lead

The movie adapts Suzanne Collins’ 2025 novel, set 24 years before the first film: teen Haymitch competes in the 50th Hunger Games, a Quarter Quell with twice the usual number of tributes, according to Lionsgate’s trailer. Zada takes the role Woody Harrelson played as an adult. youtube +1 It is the franchise’s second prequel after 2023’s The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, Variety notes. variety

The first reactions repeatedly focus on Zada’s performance. Variety relays praise for his portrayal of Haymitch’s warmth and anger; ScreenRant’s roundup also singles him out alongside Mckenna Grace and Jesse Plemons. variety +1 Variety says he captures Haymitch’s charm and bitterness, while ScreenRant quotes Collider’s Perri Nemiroff praising his range from warmth and charm to rage and heartbreak. variety +1

The original trio—Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Harrelson—also reunites, People reports. Lawrence told the outlet the reunion was emotional, giving returning fans a familiar thread alongside the new lead. people

The wider verdict comes later

Lionsgate set the theatrical and IMAX opening for Nov. 20, more than three weeks after the London screening. Its trailer gives the date and 24-years-earlier setting; People’s April guide confirms Zada’s role and release date. youtube +1

Until release, the narrow takeaway is an upbeat start, especially for Zada. Whether that enthusiasm holds beyond early social-media reactions is the next test. apnews +1