In a thrilling announcement for fans of the Hunger Games franchise, Lionsgate has confirmed that actress Mckenna Grace will portray Maysilee Donner in the upcoming film adaptation of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. This prequel, which is set to hit theaters on November 20, 2026, promises to delve into the backstory of beloved characters from the original series.
The casting news follows closely on the heels of another significant announcement: Joseph Zada has been cast as the younger version of Haymitch Abernathy, a character famously portrayed by Woody Harrelson in the original films. Additionally, Whitney Peak has been selected to play Lenore Dove Baird, Haymitch's girlfriend, further expanding the narrative around District 12's tributes.
Maysilee Donner is a notable character, being one of the tributes from District 12 competing in the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell. The character is not only a tribute but also the twin sister of Merrilee, adding a familial dimension to her story. The other District 12 tributes for this brutal competition include Wyatt Callow and Louella McCoy, as the Capitol mandated twice the number of tributes for the games.
Grace, who has gained recognition for her roles in various projects, including Ghostbusters: Afterlife and Captain Marvel, expressed her excitement for stepping into this role. Known for her ability to portray younger versions of iconic characters, Grace has also appeared as a young Carol Danvers and a young Theo Crain in The Haunting of Hill House. Her diverse portfolio showcases her talent and versatility as an actress.
In a statement regarding the casting, Erin Westerman, Co-President of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, remarked, "The Hunger Games franchise has long been a launching pad for remarkable young actors, and Jo and Whitney carry that legacy forward with incredible heart, depth, and fire. After auditioning hundreds of gifted performers from around the world, these two stood out — not just for their talent, but for the emotional truth they brought to these iconic roles." Westerman's comments highlight the significance of the characters' backstories and the emotional weight they will carry in the film.
Production for Sunrise on the Reaping is scheduled to begin in July 2025 in Germany, under the direction of Francis Lawrence, who has helmed every installment of the franchise since Catching Fire. The screenplay is adapted by Billy Ray, ensuring a continuation of the franchise's rich storytelling tradition.
Fans of the series are eager to see how the film will explore the origins of Haymitch Abernathy, whose relationship with Lenore Dove is deeply woven into the emotional history of Panem. The character of Haymitch has always resonated with audiences, and his story is one of the most anticipated in the franchise.
In addition to her role in The Hunger Games, Mckenna Grace is also set to star in an adaptation of Colleen Hoover's bestselling novel, Regretting You, which is expected to be released in October 2025. Grace will take the lead in Blumhouse’s Kiss of Death and will appear in the highly anticipated sequel to Five Nights at Freddy’s. Furthermore, she is part of the cast for Scream 7 alongside Neve Campbell and Courteney Cox, showcasing her growing prominence in Hollywood.
As the release date for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping approaches, anticipation continues to build. The film, based on the recently published novel by Suzanne Collins, explores events that take place 24 years before the original Hunger Games, providing a rich context for the characters and their motivations.
With a talented cast and a seasoned director at the helm, Sunrise on the Reaping is poised to be a significant entry in the Hunger Games saga. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned for updates as production progresses and more details about the film are revealed.
