McKenna Grace Reveals Hunger Games Set Secrets & Haymitch’s “Sobbing” Performance
In an exclusive and revealing update from the set of the highly anticipated prequel, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, actress Mckenna Grace, cast as the pivotal Maysilee Donner, shares her intense and deeply emotional experience of joining the billion-dollar franchise. Grace, who is playing the District 12 tribute in the brutal 50th Hunger Games (the Second Quarter Quell) and the original owner of the Mockingjay pin, describes the project as the most physically challenging and, at times, “terrifying” work of her young career, yet also incredibly fulfilling. Fans have eagerly awaited details, and the Ghostbusters: Afterlife star offers a captivating glimpse behind the scenes, confirming that the production is deeply committed to honoring Suzanne Collins’ lore.
One of the most surreal moments for the lifelong fan was filming the iconic Reaping scene. Grace revealed that hearing her name called and walking up to the stage was “the craziest, most surreal experience” of her life, a moment that perfectly captures the weight and gravity of stepping into the dystopian world of Panem. Her dedication to the fan-favorite Maysilee is evident, as she admits to reading the source material at least three times and meticulously researching “fan headcanons” to ensure her portrayal is spot-on. This commitment stems from a genuine love for the series, recalling how she had a Hunger Games poster and a Nerf bow and arrow as a kid, dreaming of being like Katniss Everdeen.
Grace also offered immense praise for her castmates, promising fans that the emotional intensity of the prequel is guaranteed to deliver a powerful punch. She singled out Joseph Zada, who plays a young Haymitch Abernathy, stating that his performance will leave audiences “freaking sobbing in the theaters.” Grace, whose own character is supposed to embody a more “stuck-up girl” in District 12, admitted that even she found Zada’s scenes “very gut-punchy” to watch. The cast is rounded out by veterans like Glenn Close as Drusilla Sickle, and Grace also praised Grace Ackary for her uncanny resemblance to a young Asterid (Katniss’ mother). Adding to the surreal nature of the experience is her casting story: she didn’t even audition for the role but was offered it while on the set of her film Regretting You, a moment of disbelief that proved the fans’ overwhelming popular choice was validated by the studio. With this level of emotional depth, physical challenge, and dedicated casting, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is set to be a faithful and devastating new chapter when it hits theaters in November 2026.
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