Hunger Games Prequel Film Casts Mckenna Grace for Major Role

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, a film adaptation of Suzanne Collins' latest prequel novel, has announced its main cast and release date. Joseph Zada will play a young Haymitch Abernathy, with Whitney Peak as his love interest Lenore Dove Baird, and Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner, Haymitch's fellow District 12 tribute who plays a significant role in the story. The film is set 24 years before the original series, chronicling Haymitch's experience in the 50th Hunger Games, known as the Second Quarter Quell. Maysilee is notable for her connection to the iconic Mockingjay pin and her alliance with Haymitch during the games. Directed by Francis Lawrence and featuring a screenplay by Billy Ray, the movie is scheduled for a U.S. theatrical release on November 20, 2026. The novel itself has already achieved record-breaking sales, indicating strong anticipation for the film.