Mckenna Grace stars in Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, set for 2026 release

The Hunger Games franchise, a global phenomenon that has captivated millions since its literary debut in 2008, is gearing up for a new chapter with Sunrise on the Reaping, based on Suzanne Collins’ latest novel. Young actress Mckenna Grace, recognized for roles in Ghostbusters: Afterlife and Captain Marvel, has been cast as Maysilee Donner, a District 12 tribute expected to captivate audiences in the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell. Slated for release on November 20, 2026, the film, directed by Francis Lawrence, delves into the youth of Haymitch Abernathy, the iconic mentor of Katniss Everdeen, and features a promising cast including Joseph Zada and Whitney Peak. The production, already generating significant buzz, reinforces the legacy of a saga that has grossed over $3.3 billion in global box office revenue.

Mckenna Grace’s casting as Maysilee Donner, a character likened to Katniss Everdeen for her strength and resilience, heightens anticipation for the project. Set 24 years before the events of the original Hunger Games, the story explores the challenges Haymitch faced during the competition that cemented his victory. Lionsgate, the studio behind the franchise, is banking on a robust marketing campaign to capitalize on the U.S. holiday season, aiming to maximize box office returns. The film also marks the continued involvement of Francis Lawrence, who has directed every Hunger Games movie since Catching Fire, ensuring a visual style true to the dystopian world of Panem.

Mckenna Grace has been cast as Maysilee Donner in ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ pic.twitter.com/p6l3g3rWt3

— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) April 24, 2025

The novel Sunrise on the Reaping, released globally on March 18, 2025, sold 1.5 million copies in its first week, surpassing the initial sales of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. In Brazil, the book hit shelves through Editora Rocco, translated by Regiane Winarski, stirring readers and reigniting enthusiasm for the saga. The narrative, which details Haymitch’s victory in the Quarter Quell, offers a deeper look at the traumas inflicted by the Games and the political tensions in Panem, cementing the franchise’s relevance in a world grappling with issues like social inequality and resistance.

Stellar cast of Sunrise on the Reaping

The casting for Sunrise on the Reaping brings together rising stars who promise to breathe life into Suzanne Collins’ complex characters. Beyond Mckenna Grace, the film features names already generating excitement among fans of the saga.

• Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner: The 18-year-old actress plays the District 12 tribute, a determined figure compared to Katniss for her bravery. Grace, known for her versatility in dramatic roles, is a strong choice for the part.
• Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy: The actor takes on the challenge of portraying the young mentor of Katniss, a character shaped by trauma and cunning strategies that led to his victory.
• Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird: Known for Gossip Girl, Peak will portray Haymitch’s girlfriend, adding an emotional layer to the narrative.
• Potential role for Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket: Rumors suggest the actress was approached to play a younger version of the District 12 stylist, a role made iconic by Elizabeth Banks in the original films.

The selection of young, talented actors reflects Lionsgate’s strategy to appeal to both longtime fans and a new generation of viewers, preserving the franchise’s core while refreshing its allure.

A franchise that redefines dystopian storytelling

The Hunger Games has solidified its place as a cultural milestone, influencing works like Divergent and The Maze Runner. Launched with Suzanne Collins’ 2008 novel, the saga became a cinematic juggernaut between 2012 and 2015, with four films grossing $2.97 billion worldwide. Catching Fire, the second film, was the most successful, earning $865 million. The franchise’s return in 2023 with The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes grossed $337 million, proving sustained audience interest in Panem’s expanded stories.

The franchise’s relevance extends beyond financial success. Its dystopian narrative, centered on themes like media manipulation, social inequality, and rebellion, resonates in a global landscape marked by political polarization and social crises. Sunrise on the Reaping promises to deepen these discussions, exploring Haymitch’s youth and the events that shaped his complex personality. The novel, which inspired the film, has been praised for its psychological depth, detailing the extreme traumas faced by tributes and the brutality of Panem’s system.

Production for Sunrise on the Reaping is in its early stages, with filming set to begin in early 2026. Led by Color Force producers Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson, the film features a screenplay by Billy Ray, known for Captain Phillips. Ray’s involvement signals an intent to capture the novel’s essence while adapting it for the screen. Lionsgate is planning an aggressive promotional campaign, leveraging the box office success of prior films and the franchise’s enduring appeal.

Haymitch Abernathy: the heart of the new story

Haymitch Abernathy, portrayed by Woody Harrelson in the original trilogy, is a central figure in the Hunger Games mythology. His victory in the 50th Hunger Games, marked by double the tributes in celebration of the Second Quarter Quell, was a defining moment in Panem’s history. Sunrise on the Reaping dives into this pivotal event, depicting a young Haymitch torn from his family and love in District 12. The narrative highlights his strategies to survive the arena and the challenges that transformed him into the cynical yet loyal mentor who guided Katniss and Peeta.

The story opens on the morning of the reaping, with fear gripping the districts. In District 12, Haymitch tries to dismiss his odds of being chosen, focused on surviving the day and being with the girl he loves. When his name is called, his dreams collapse, and he’s whisked to the Capitol alongside three other tributes: a close friend, a compulsive gambler, and an arrogant young woman. In the arena, Haymitch realizes he’s been set up to fail, but his resolve drives him to fight, triggering consequences that ripple beyond the Games.

The focus on Haymitch allows for a deeper exploration of Panem’s universe, showing how the Capitol used the Hunger Games to tighten its grip on the districts. The narrative also touches on themes like implicit submission, inspired by philosopher David Hume, and the use of propaganda to shape narratives. These elements, paired with Francis Lawrence’s seasoned direction, promise a film that balances action, emotion, and social critique.

Timeline of the Hunger Games franchise

The Hunger Games saga boasts a rich timeline, which Sunrise on the Reaping expands. Below is the chronological order of events in the franchise’s universe:

• The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes: Set 64 years before the original Hunger Games, the 2023 book and film explore Coriolanus Snow’s youth and the 10th Games, with Lucy Gray Baird as a District 12 tribute.
• Sunrise on the Reaping: Set 24 years before the original trilogy, it focuses on the 50th Hunger Games, with Haymitch Abernathy as the protagonist.
• Original trilogy (The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, Mockingjay): Centered on Katniss Everdeen, the story follows the 74th and 75th Games and the rebellion against the Capitol.

This timeline underscores the depth of the universe crafted by Suzanne Collins, which continues to expand Panem’s mythology with stories that precede and complement Katniss’s journey.

Suzanne Collins’ vision for Sunrise on the Reaping

Suzanne Collins, the franchise’s author, brought a fresh perspective with Sunrise on the Reaping. Drawing on David Hume’s ideas of implicit submission, Collins explores how a few dominate many through narrative control and propaganda. The novel, released in March 2025, was met with enthusiasm, driving bookstore sales and reigniting interest in the saga. The film adaptation, confirmed shortly after the book’s announcement, reflects Lionsgate’s confidence in the story’s potential.

The narrative of Sunrise on the Reaping highlights the brutality of the Hunger Games, with 48 tributes competing in the arena, double the usual number. This special edition, designed to entertain the Capitol, amplifies the horrors faced by participants. Haymitch, upon winning, becomes District 12’s second victor after Lucy Gray Baird, and his story reveals the emotional scars that shaped his role as a mentor. Collins’ choice to center Haymitch allows for an intimate examination of the human cost of the Games, a theme that resonates with contemporary audiences.

The film’s production, led by Francis Lawrence, maintains the visual aesthetic that made the franchise a success. Lawrence, who directed Catching Fire, Mockingjay – Part 1 and Part 2, and The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, is known for balancing action with introspective moments. The soundtrack, still in development, is highly anticipated, as music has always played a key role in the saga, with songs like “Hanging Tree” defining the original trilogy.

Cultural impact of the Hunger Games

The Hunger Games has transcended entertainment, becoming a symbol of resistance and social critique. The franchise has sparked discussions on authoritarianism, inequality, and media power, themes that remain relevant in 2025. Katniss Everdeen’s story, brought to life by Jennifer Lawrence, galvanized a generation of readers and viewers, while characters like Haymitch added layers of complexity. Sunrise on the Reaping promises to continue this legacy, offering a fresh perspective on one of the saga’s most beloved figures.

The franchise’s influence is clear in its ability to attract new audiences. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, released in 2023, offered a fresh take by exploring Coriolanus Snow’s youth, with standout performances by Rachel Zegler and Tom Blyth. The film, though less lucrative than the originals, grossed $340 million and earned praise for its fidelity to the book and narrative depth. Sunrise on the Reaping, with its focus on Haymitch, has the potential to surpass these figures, given the character’s appeal and the stellar cast.

Lionsgate, aware of the franchise’s cultural weight, is investing in strategies to engage fans. The marketing campaign for Sunrise on the Reaping includes teasers, exclusive social media content, and promotional events highlighting the cast and story. Mckenna Grace’s casting, as a young and charismatic actress, underscores the studio’s commitment to connecting the franchise with a new generation while staying true to longtime fans.

Expectations for the 2026 premiere

The premiere of Sunrise on the Reaping, set for November 20, 2026, aligns with the U.S. holiday season, a strategic move to boost box office numbers. In Brazil, the release is expected to occur simultaneously, following the pattern of previous films. Lionsgate aims to replicate the success of Catching Fire, the franchise’s highest-grossing film, and surpass the figures of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, which, despite solid performance, fell short of expectations.

The cast, led by Mckenna Grace, Joseph Zada, and Whitney Peak, is a major draw. Grace, with her experience in emotionally intense roles, is seen as an ideal fit for Maysilee Donner, a character requiring both vulnerability and strength. Zada faces the challenge of portraying a young Haymitch, capturing the nuances of a character shaped by his victory’s weight. Peak, as Lenore, adds a romantic dimension, exploring love amid the Games’ brutality.

Francis Lawrence’s direction ensures visual and narrative continuity, while Billy Ray’s screenplay promises to capture the novel’s essence. The production also benefits from producers Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson, who helped make the Hunger Games a global phenomenon. The combination of a talented cast, compelling story, and experienced team positions Sunrise on the Reaping as one of 2026’s most anticipated films.

Fun facts about Sunrise on the Reaping

The production of Sunrise on the Reaping is surrounded by details that fuel fan curiosity. Here are some highlights that underscore the film’s impact:

• Mckenna Grace’s casting: The actress was selected after a rigorous process, with Lionsgate seeking someone to convey Maysilee Donner’s strength and vulnerability.
• Effie Trinket’s potential return: Rumors of Elle Fanning as a young Effie have excited fans eager to see more of the eccentric stylist.
• Philosophical inspiration: Suzanne Collins drew on David Hume’s concepts of submission and control, adding depth to the narrative.
• Filming schedule: Shooting is set to begin in 2026, with locations recreating District 12 and the Hunger Games arena.

These details highlight the care taken to maintain the quality that made the Hunger Games a benchmark in dystopian storytelling.

The legacy of the Hunger Games

The Hunger Games continues to captivate audiences with its blend of entertainment and social commentary. Sunrise on the Reaping, by focusing on Haymitch Abernathy, offers a chance to explore new facets of Panem’s universe while honoring the story that won over millions. The casting of a young, talented ensemble, led by Mckenna Grace, reflects Lionsgate’s commitment to evolving the franchise without losing its core.

The saga’s cultural impact is undeniable. Since the first book’s release, the Hunger Games has fueled discussions on power, resistance, and identity, themes that remain timely. Haymitch’s story, with its traumas and triumphs, promises to move audiences, while Francis Lawrence’s direction ensures a visually striking experience. The wait until November 2026 will be long, but anticipation only grows with updates on the cast and production.

Sunrise on the Reaping is more than a new Hunger Games chapter—it’s a celebration of a franchise that redefined dystopian storytelling. With Mckenna Grace, Joseph Zada, and Whitney Peak in the cast, and a story promising emotional depth and action, the film is poised to become a milestone in the saga’s history. As fans await, the excitement builds to see how Haymitch Abernathy will leave his mark on Panem’s legacy.