Mckenna Grace has officially joined the cast of the highly anticipated prequel film, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, as Maysilee Donner, a fellow District 12 Tribute alongside Haymitch Abernathy. The announcement, made on April 24, 2025, by Deadline, has thrilled fans who are eager to see how this new chapter in the Hunger Games saga unfolds.
The film, which is set to hit theaters on November 20, 2026, takes place 24 years before the events of the original Hunger Games series, exploring the dramatic and turbulent world of Panem during the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell. This installment revisits a time when Haymitch Abernathy, portrayed by newcomer Joseph Zada, was a young Tribute, fighting for survival amidst the brutal competition.
Grace, now 18 years old, has made a name for herself in Hollywood since her debut as a child actor. She gained widespread recognition for her roles in Ghostbusters: Afterlife and Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, and her casting as Maysilee Donner marks a significant milestone in her career. Maysilee, described as a 16-year-old from District 12, is characterized as being from the market area rather than the poorer Seam, which is where Haymitch and Katniss Everdeen hail from. This backstory adds depth to her character, who was briefly mentioned in Suzanne Collins' Catching Fire as an ally to Haymitch during the Quarter Quell Hunger Games.
Alongside Grace, Whitney Peak has been cast as Lenore Dove Baird, Haymitch’s girlfriend, further intertwining the narrative with characters from the previous installments. The film aims to build on the rich lore established in Collins’ novels while introducing new elements that resonate with both longtime fans and newcomers to the franchise.
Directed by Francis Lawrence, who has helmed every installment of the series since Catching Fire, the film is based on a screenplay adaptation by Billy Ray, who also contributed to the original films. The production team includes Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson from Color Force, with Cameron MacConomy serving as executive producer. This robust team is poised to deliver a thrilling addition to the franchise, which has already grossed over $3.3 billion worldwide across its five films.
As the excitement builds, the novel Sunrise on the Reaping, published on March 18, 2025, has already made waves in the literary world, selling 1.5 million copies within its first week. This impressive figure includes 1.2 million copies sold in the U.S. alone, doubling the first-week sales of Collins’ previous prequel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, and tripling the sales of Mockingjay, the third book in the original series.
Set against the backdrop of a society grappling with oppression and survival, Sunrise on the Reaping delves into the complexities of the Hunger Games and the characters that inhabit this dark world. As fans await the film adaptation, they are eager to see how Grace brings Maysilee to life and how her character intersects with the narrative of Haymitch, who eventually becomes a mentor to Katniss Everdeen in the original series.
Grace's career trajectory has been impressive, with a diverse array of roles that showcase her versatility as an actress. In addition to her work in the Hunger Games universe, she is set to appear in several upcoming projects, including Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 and Scream 7, further solidifying her status as a rising star in Hollywood.
As the film gears up for production, anticipation continues to grow. With its rich source material, a talented cast, and an experienced production team, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping promises to captivate audiences once again, exploring themes of sacrifice, friendship, and the fight against tyranny.
The Hunger Games franchise has always been known for its compelling characters and intricate storytelling, and Sunrise on the Reaping aims to expand on that legacy. Grace's portrayal of Maysilee Donner is expected to resonate deeply with fans, especially given the character's connections to the larger narrative of the Hunger Games.
As the release date approaches, fans are encouraged to revisit the novels and prepare for a cinematic experience that will likely echo the themes of resilience and rebellion that have defined the series. With the world of Panem evolving and new characters emerging, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is set to be a significant chapter in this beloved saga.
