McKenna Grace became emotional while reflecting on her role in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, describing her experience with the franchise as an “opportunity of a lifetime”.
The 20-year-old actress plays District 12 tribute Maysilee Donner in the upcoming prequel, which follows a young Haymitch Abernathy, played by Joseph Zada, as he competes in the 50th Hunger Games.
An Emotional Moment
Speaking to reporters at a fan screening in London, Grace appeared moved as she looked at a poster featuring the film’s cast.
“It’s like one of the most absurd events I’ve ever been to. This is insane,” she said.
“I’ve never experienced anything like this. It’s making me really emotional looking up at that. There’s a poster up there of all of our faces.”
Grace said she was gradually realising how special the experience had been, adding that she did not know whether she would ever be part of something similar again.
“I think I’m increasingly realising that I’ve never been a part of anything quite like this, and I don’t know if I ever will again and so this has been like the opportunity of a lifetime,” she said.
A Close Cast Bond
The actress also spoke about the close relationships she developed with her co-stars during filming, describing them as her family. She lived alongside Zada and Iona Bell, who plays another tribute, during production.
“Getting to be on this press tour with what’s like my family has been really fun. And getting to be on set every day, it just – it didn’t feel real,” she added.
A Story of Survival
Based on Suzanne Collins’ 2025 novel of the same name, Sunrise on the Reaping takes place 24 years before the events of the original The Hunger Games story.
The film follows Haymitch as he is selected to compete in the second Quarter Quell, a special edition of the Games in which twice as many tributes are chosen from each district.
Maysilee is among the tributes forced to navigate the deadly arena as Haymitch attempts to challenge the Capitol’s oppressive system.
Kim Kardashian Uses ‘Lockdown’ Code to Shield Kids From Kanye West News
The Message Behind the Film
Grace also reflected on the story’s themes of perseverance and humanity, explaining how they had resonated with her.
“Change doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, but if you truly are working towards something you believe in – it’s easy to say don’t give up, but change takes time,” she said.
She added that the story highlights the importance of preserving one’s humanity, even when facing a system designed to strip it away.
Star-Studded Cast
Directed by Francis Lawrence, the prequel features a high-profile cast, including Ralph Fiennes as President Snow, Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman, Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket, Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, Glenn Close as Drusilla Sickle and Billy Porter as Magno Stift.
The original The Hunger Games films starred Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth. The franchise became a global phenomenon following the release of its first instalment in 2012.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on November 20, 2026.
