In one of the most anticipated casting announcements of the year, McKenna Grace has officially joined the ensemble of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping as Maysilee Donner, the spirited and tragic fellow tribute from District 12 and key character in the lore surrounding Haymitch Abernathy. Grace’s casting follows a competitive search across Hollywood, with industry insiders comparing the role’s importance to that of Katniss Everdeen in the original series.
Joining her is rising star Joseph Zada, who has been tapped to portray the young Haymitch Abernathy, the eventual victor of the infamous Second Quarter Quell. Opposite him, Whitney Peak will take on the emotionally complex role of Lenore Dove Baird, Haymitch’s girlfriend whose presence is poised to add dramatic depth to the film’s narrative.
Set 24 years before Katniss’s rebellion and the original Hunger Games saga, Sunrise on the Reaping delves into the brutal and politically charged Fiftieth Hunger Games. This installment promises to peel back the layers on the Quarter Quell that shaped one of Panem’s most haunted victors.
A Powerful Creative Team Behind the Camera
The film will be directed by franchise veteran Francis Lawrence, who returns after helming Catching Fire, Mockingjay Part 1, and Part 2. The screenplay is adapted by Billy Ray, based on Suzanne Collins’ best-selling novel, which was published on March 18 and sold a staggering 1.5 million copies across six English-speaking territories in its first week.
The film is being produced by Color Force’s Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson, who have shepherded every installment of the franchise. Cameron MacConomy will serve as executive producer, continuing his collaboration with Lawrence. Meredith Wieck and Scott O’Brien are overseeing the project for Lionsgate, while Robert Melnik handled key deal negotiations.
A Role That Echoes Katniss
Maysilee Donner’s role is seen as a critical figure in The Hunger Games mythos. Not only was she Haymitch’s ally in the arena, but her fate also profoundly impacted his lifelong opposition to the Capitol. Industry sources suggest the casting process was intense, with Grace’s name at the top of many lists. Described as “the closest thing to Katniss since Katniss,” Maysilee’s journey, strength, and ideals will likely resonate deeply with fans.
A Rising Star Ascends
McKenna Grace has been steadily building a reputation as one of the most versatile young actors working today. With a resume that includes Ghostbusters: Afterlife, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, and critically acclaimed roles in films and TV, Grace has shown a rare ability to bring emotional weight and charisma to genre roles.
In addition to her work in Sunrise on the Reaping, she will soon be seen leading Paramount’s adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s Regretting You, and is headlining Blumhouse’s thriller Kiss of Death. She’s also set for Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, Scream 7, and the ensemble drama Anniversary, where she stars alongside Diane Lane.
A Box Office Juggernaut Returns
The Hunger Games franchise has grossed more than $3.3 billion globally, and with the prequel novel’s explosive debut, Sunrise on the Reaping is already tracking for major success. Early buzz from readers and the creative team suggests the film will explore not just the Games themselves, but the shifting social and political landscape of Panem.
By revisiting the events that led Haymitch to become the sarcastic, tormented mentor fans first met in the original series, this film aims to provide greater insight into the Capitol’s growing cruelty—and the seeds of rebellion already beginning to bloom.
What’s Next
Production on the film is expected to begin in late 2025, with a theatrical release date set for November 20, 2026. With a blend of returning talent, breakout stars, and a gripping narrative that expands on Suzanne Collins’ darkly brilliant world, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping may very well spark a new wave of fandom for a generation ready to return to Panem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Maysilee Donner in The Hunger Games universe?
Maysilee Donner was a tribute from District 12 during the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell. She allied with Haymitch Abernathy during the Games and played a pivotal role in his survival strategy. Her tragic fate deeply affected Haymitch and helped shape his anti-Capitol stance.
Who is playing Haymitch and Lenore in the upcoming film?
Joseph Zada will portray the young Haymitch Abernathy, and Whitney Peak will play his girlfriend, Lenore Dove Baird—a character new to the canon, adding emotional stakes and complexity to Haymitch’s backstory.
When will The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping be released?
The film is scheduled to hit theaters on November 20, 2026, making it the sixth feature in the Hunger Games franchise.
Is this film based on a Suzanne Collins novel?
Yes. Sunrise on the Reaping is based on the latest prequel novel by Suzanne Collins, released in March 2025. It revisits the early days of the Hunger Games and explores the brutal realities of the Second Quarter Quell.
Is this a direct prequel to the original Hunger Games trilogy?
Yes, though it takes place 24 years before the original story. It bridges the gap between The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and The Hunger Games, adding depth to the lore and key characters.
Will Katniss Everdeen or other original characters appear?
No, Katniss is not born yet at the time this story takes place. However, fans can expect many thematic parallels and insights into how Panem evolved before her rise.
What other films has McKenna Grace starred in?
McKenna Grace has starred in Ghostbusters: Afterlife, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, and Regretting You, and has upcoming roles in Kiss of Death, Scream 7, and the Five Nights at Freddy’s sequel.
Conclusion
The casting of McKenna Grace as Maysilee Donner in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping has sparked excitement among fans eager to explore a new chapter in the franchise’s expansive mythology. As the film explores the brutal and formative years of Panem’s history, particularly the infamous Second Quarter Quell, it’s poised to delve into the politics and personal stories that set the stage for the rebellion we know from the original series. With a talented ensemble cast led by Grace, Zada, and Peak, and the return of Francis Lawrence at the helm, expectations are high for this prequel to both expand the world and bring fresh insights to beloved characters.
