Lionsgate’s upcoming installment in The Hunger Games franchise, Sunrise on the Reaping, is gaining momentum with the reveal of several major casting additions.
McKenna Grace will take on the role of Maysilee Donner, a District 12 tribute who enters the arena alongside a young Haymitch Abernathy, portrayed by Joseph Zada. Joining them is Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird, Haymitch’s romantic partner, bringing emotional depth to the story. The film, adapted from Suzanne Collins’ forthcoming novel, is scheduled for release on November 20, 2026.
Directed by longtime series filmmaker Francis Lawrence, Sunrise on the Reaping explores events set 24 years before Katniss Everdeen’s journey begins. The plot centers on the 50th Hunger Games—also known as the Second Quarter Quell—which introduces a brutal twist: 48 tributes instead of the usual 24. At the heart of the story is 16-year-old Haymitch, unexpectedly chosen to compete in this deadly competition.
Casting directors undertook an extensive search to find the right talent to embody these key characters. Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Co-President Erin Westerman shared her enthusiasm, noting that “Jo and Whitney embody their characters with remarkable heart and authenticity.” Producer Nina Jacobson echoed the excitement, describing the casting as a “lightning-in-a-bottle” moment.
Grace, known for her performances in Ghostbusters: Afterlife and Frozen Empire, adds this role to a growing list of high-profile credits, including Regretting You and Kiss of Death. Zada, who currently stars in the Australian drama Invisible Boys, will also appear in We Were Liars for Prime Video and Netflix’s East of Eden. Peak, recognized for her work in Gossip Girl and Hocus Pocus 2, is set to star in Shiver and 4 Kids Walk into a Bank.
The Hunger Games series has earned more than $3.3 billion at the global box office, and Sunrise on the Reaping is expected to continue that legacy. The film will offer a deeper look at Panem’s dark history and trace the roots of Haymitch Abernathy’s transformation—setting the stage for the events fans know and love.