This report provides an in-depth exploration of McKenna Grace’s casting as Maysilee Donner in the upcoming Hunger Games prequel, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, set for release on November 20, 2026. Drawing from multiple entertainment news sources, this section aims to offer a comprehensive overview, including background on the actress, character details, and production insights.
Key Points
- McKenna Grace is an actress playing Maysilee Donner in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping.
- Maysilee Donner is a District 12 tribute in the 50th Hunger Games, as per Suzanne Collins’ novel.
- The movie is set for release on November 20, 2026, directed by Francis Lawrence.
Who is McKenna Grace?
McKenna Grace, aged 18, is known for roles in Captain Marvel (as young Carol Danvers), Ghostbusters: Afterlife, and Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire. She has been cast as Maysilee Donner, a significant character in the upcoming Hunger Games prequel.
Her Role in the Movie
In The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, McKenna Grace plays Maysilee Donner, a tribute from District 12 who participates in the 50th Hunger Games (Second Quarter Quell) alongside Haymitch Abernathy. This role is seen as pivotal, often compared to Katniss Everdeen’s in the original series.
Movie Details
The film, based on Suzanne Collins’ novel published on March 18, 2025, is set 24 years before the original Hunger Games and will hit theaters on November 20, 2026. Francis Lawrence directs, with Billy Ray adapting the screenplay.
Background on McKenna Grace
McKenna Grace, born in 2006, is an 18-year-old actress recognized for her versatile performances across film and television. Her notable roles include portraying young Carol Danvers in Captain Marvel (2019), Phoebe Spengler in Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021) and Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024), and appearances in Gifted (2017) and I, Tonya (2017). Her casting in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping marks another significant milestone, with industry reports highlighting her as a rising star. Sources describe her role as Maysilee Donner as “highly sought,” drawing parallels to Jennifer Lawrence’s iconic portrayal of Katniss Everdeen due to its centrality in the narrative (Variety).
Grace is represented by CAA, Entertainment 360, and other agencies, and is lined up for future projects including Regretting You (Paramount), Kiss of Death (Blumhouse), Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, Scream 7, and Anniversary (Lionsgate), underscoring her growing prominence in Hollywood (Variety).
Character Analysis: Maysilee Donner
Maysilee Donner is a character introduced in Suzanne Collins’ novel The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, published on March 18, 2025. The story is set 24 years before the events of the original Hunger Games trilogy, focusing on the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell. Maysilee is a female tribute from District 12, participating alongside Haymitch Abernathy, the district’s male tribute. Reports detail her as a twin to her sister Merrilee, with their family living above a sweet shop in District 12, adding depth to her backstory (Collider).
Her role is pivotal, as she navigates the deadly arena of the Quarter Quell, a games event where the Capitol doubles the number of tributes, increasing the stakes. Other tributes from District 12 mentioned include Wyatt Callow and Louella McCoy, highlighting the competitive and tragic nature of the games (TheWrap).
Casting and Production Details
The casting of McKenna Grace was announced on April 24, 2025, alongside other key roles, including Joseph Zada as a young Haymitch Abernathy and Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird, Haymitch’s girlfriend (Deadline). This prequel follows The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (2023), which was set 40 years before the original series, creating a timeline that bridges significant events in the Hunger Games universe.
Francis Lawrence, who has directed every installment since Catching Fire (2012), returns to helm Sunrise on the Reaping, with Billy Ray adapting the screenplay. Producers include Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson, with Cameron MacConomy as executive producer (Variety). The film is slated for release on November 20, 2026, continuing Lionsgate’s expansion of the franchise, which has been a launchpad for young talent, as noted by Erin Westerman, Co-President of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group (NewsX).
Fan and Industry Reception
Fan reactions, as reported, have been positive, with many expressing excitement over Grace’s casting, given Maysilee’s importance in the novel. The role is seen as a chance for Grace to showcase her acting prowess in a high-stakes, dystopian setting, similar to the original trilogy’s impact on Jennifer Lawrence’s career (ComicBook.com). Industry insiders have praised the casting choices, noting the ensemble’s potential to bring fresh energy to the franchise (Empire Online).
Comparative Context
Maysilee Donner’s role is often compared to Katniss Everdeen due to its narrative weight, though set in a different era. Woody Harrelson previously portrayed Haymitch in the original films, and Joseph Zada’s casting as the younger version adds continuity. The Second Quarter Quell, with its doubled tributes, sets a darker tone, and Grace’s portrayal is anticipated to highlight Maysilee’s resilience and tragedy (IndieWire).
Summary Table of Key Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Actress | McKenna Grace, aged 18, known for Captain Marvel, Ghostbusters series |
| Role | Maysilee Donner, District 12 tribute in 50th Hunger Games |
| Movie Title | The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping |
| Release Date | November 20, 2026 |
| Director | Francis Lawrence |
| Screenplay By | Billy Ray, based on Suzanne Collins’ novel |
| Producers | Nina Jacobson, Brad Simpson, Cameron MacConomy (executive) |
| Novel Publication | March 18, 2025 |
| Setting Relative to Original | 24 years before The Hunger Games trilogy |
| Other Cast | Joseph Zada (Haymitch Abernathy), Whitney Peak (Lenore Dove Baird) |
