Mckenna Grace joins cast of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping

Mckenna Grace has been added to the cast of ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’.

The 18-year-old actress is to portray Maysilee Donner, Haymitch Abernathy’s fellow District 12 Tribute, Deadline reports.

Meanwhile, Joseph Zada will play Haymitch, with Whitney Peak set to portray his girlfriend, Lenore Dove Baird.

The role of Maysilee Donner was highly sought after, as actors and their agents viewed the part as the closest character to Katniss Everdeen - the role that catapulted Jennifer Lawrence to stardom in the original ‘Hunger Games’ movies.

‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ will be an adaptation of author Suzanne Collins’ 2025 novel of the same name, and is the second instalment in the writer’s ‘Hunger Games’ prequel trilogy.

The story is set in the world of Panem 24 years before the first ‘Hunger Games’ book, and follows Haymitch Abernathy, who is selected as a tribute for the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell.

‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ is to be directed by Francis Lawrence, who will be working from a screen adaptation written by Billy Ray.

Color Force’s Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson are to produce, while Cameron MacConomy will serve as executive producer.

‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ is set to hit theatres in November 2026.

It was announced on Wednesday (04.23.25) that Joseph Zada and Whitney Peak had been added to the cast of ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’, with the former set to portray Haymitch Abernathy, who previously played by Woody Harrelson in the original films.

Speaking of the two actors, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Co-President Erin Westerman said: "‘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.

"Haymitch has always been a fan favorite, and his origin story is one of the most anticipated in the franchise. His relationship with Lenore Dove is deeply woven into the emotional history of Panem. 

"We can’t wait for fans to experience the story that shaped one of the most compelling characters in the series."

Producer Nina Jaconson added: "Deb Zane and Dylan Jury oversaw an exhaustive (and exhausting!) search to find a young actor with the skill and imagination to embody young Haymitch.

"Jo prepared like crazy and stole our hearts. Then Whitney took our breath away as Lenore Dove.

"When we put the two of them together, it was one of those magical casting moments when you know your search has led you home."