McKenna Grace will play Maysilee Donner, a fellow District 12 Tribute alongside Haymitch Abernathy, portrayed by Joseph Zada. Whitney Peak will take on the role of Lenore Dove Baird, Haymitch’s girlfriend. The highly anticipated film, based on Suzanne Collins’ bestselling novel, is set to release on November 20, 2026.
Directed by Francis Lawrence, Sunrise on the Reaping will explore the world of Panem 24 years before the events of The Hunger Games, beginning with the reaping of the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell. In this edition, there will be twice the number of tributes, with 48 children sent into the arena. The story centers on 16-year-old Haymitch, who is unexpectedly chosen as a tribute from District 12, and the deadly twist that awaits him.
The casting of Zada and Peak comes after an extensive search for the right actors to portray these beloved characters. Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Co-President Erin Westerman praised their performances, stating, “Jo and Whitney carry that legacy forward with incredible heart, depth, and fire.” Producer Nina Jacobson also expressed excitement over the casting, calling it a “magical” moment when the pair was brought together for the roles.
Grace, known for her roles in Ghostbusters: Afterlife and Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, joins the franchise after starring in several high-profile projects, including Regretting You and Kiss of Death. Zada, who currently stars in the Stan Australia series Invisible Boys, will appear next in We Were Liars on Prime Video and Netflix’s East of Eden. Peak, best known for Gossip Girl and Hocus Pocus 2, will soon be seen in Shiver and 4 Kids Walk into a Bank.
The Hunger Games franchise has grossed over $3.3 billion worldwide, and Sunrise on the Reaping is expected to continue the legacy. The film will dive deeper into the emotional and violent history of Panem, giving fans a closer look at Haymitch’s origin story and the complex relationships that shaped the events leading to the original Hunger Games.