(Image Source: Pinterest, Lionsgate)
Lionsgate's "The Hunger Games" franchise is expanding its cast for the upcoming prequel, "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping." Following yesterday's announcement that rising star Joseph Zada will portray a young Haymitch Abernathy and "Gossip Girl" actress Whitney Peak will play his girlfriend, Lenora Dolph-Baird, the studio has now confirmed that Mckenna Grace, a core member of the "Ghostbusters" franchise, will take on a leading role.
Grace is set to play Maysilee Donner, who, alongside Haymitch, serves as a District 12 tribute in the 50th Hunger Games. The two form a crucial alliance during the deadly games. Maysilee is also notable as the original owner of the iconic mockingjay pin later worn by main series protagonist Katniss Everdeen.
(Image Source: IMDb)
Francis Lawrence, who directed the final three films of the original "Hunger Games" saga and the first prequel, "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes," returns to helm "Sunrise on the Reaping." The screenplay is being penned by Billy Ray, who previously wrote the script for the first "Hunger Games" film.
The film is an adaptation of Suzanne Collins' latest novel of the same name, which was released last month. Set 24 years before the events of the original "Hunger Games" trilogy, the story chronicles 16-year-old Haymitch's journey as he competes in and ultimately wins the 50th Hunger Games. "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping" is slated for a North American release on November 20, 2026, with production expected to commence in Germany this July.