As The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping gears up to captivate audiences with its prequel story, one rising star is already drawing major attention—McKenna Grace, who will portray the fan-favorite Maysilee Donner. The casting has sparked widespread buzz, especially among readers of Suzanne Collins’ companion novel. But who exactly is the talented young actress stepping into such a pivotal role?
From Emmy nominations to powerhouse performances, here are 7 must-know facts about McKenna Grace as she takes on her most anticipated role yet.
Contents
- 1. McKenna Grace Has Been Acting Since Age 6
- 2. She’s Already a Veteran of Genre Films
- 3. McKenna Grace Has Earned an Emmy Nomination
- 4. Maysilee Donner Could Be Her Defining Role
- 5. She’s Also a Talented Singer and Songwriter
- 6. Fans Are Already Praising Her Casting
- 7. Hunger Games Isn’t Her First Literary Adaptation
- What’s Next for McKenna Grace?
1. McKenna Grace Has Been Acting Since Age 6
McKenna Grace began her professional acting career at just six years old. Her breakout performance in Gifted (2017), opposite Chris Evans, earned her critical acclaim and set the tone for a dynamic career that spans TV, film, and voice work.
2. She’s Already a Veteran of Genre Films
If Maysilee’s bravery in the Hunger Games seems like second nature, it’s because McKenna has long shown a knack for genre roles. From playing young Carol Danvers in Captain Marvel to a lead in Ghostbusters: Afterlife, she’s no stranger to emotionally complex, high-stakes storytelling.
3. McKenna Grace Has Earned an Emmy Nomination
In 2021, Grace was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for her haunting performance as Esther Keyes in The Handmaid’s Tale. The recognition not only validated her acting chops but also highlighted her maturity and emotional depth as a performer.
4. Maysilee Donner Could Be Her Defining Role
Maysilee Donner is a tragic yet courageous figure in Hunger Games lore—one of the original tributes who formed an alliance with Haymitch Abernathy during the 50th Games. McKenna’s portrayal could redefine how fans perceive the character and cement her as one of the franchise’s standout performances.
5. She’s Also a Talented Singer and Songwriter
Beyond acting, McKenna Grace has a flourishing music career. She writes and performs original songs and has released several singles. Her lyrics often explore personal themes like anxiety, adolescence, and empowerment—qualities that also reflect in her on-screen work.
6. Fans Are Already Praising Her Casting
From Reddit threads to TikTok edits, the fan response to McKenna as Maysilee has been overwhelmingly positive. Many point out her emotional intelligence and screen presence as a perfect match for the role, especially considering Maysilee’s complexity and ultimate fate.
7. Hunger Games Isn’t Her First Literary Adaptation
McKenna previously starred in The Bad Seed and A Friend of the Family, both based on real-life or literary source material. She brings a nuanced understanding to book-to-screen transitions, which will be essential for doing justice to Maysilee’s arc in Sunrise on the Reaping.
What’s Next for McKenna Grace?
With The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping slated for release in 2026, McKenna Grace’s star is clearly on the rise. From indie dramas to blockbuster franchises, she’s charting a path that few her age can match. Her role as Maysilee Donner is poised to introduce her to a whole new generation of fans—and might just become her most iconic character yet.
McKenna Grace’s career is clearly entering a bold new phase. While The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping puts her into the global blockbuster spotlight, it’s far from the only major project on her horizon. The young actress continues to juggle multiple roles across genres—from psychological thrillers to high-concept sci-fi—and has even stepped behind the camera as a producer and writer in recent years.
In addition to her high-profile appearance as Maysilee Donner, Grace is also returning to her fan-favorite role in Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, proving she’s here to stay in the franchise world. Her ability to move seamlessly between emotionally grounded performances and genre fare makes her one of Hollywood’s most versatile young stars.
What’s more, Grace has hinted at wanting to explore more creative control over her future roles. With several scripts reportedly in development and an interest in directing, fans may see her take on more behind-the-scenes responsibilities soon. That’s not to mention her ongoing music career—yes, she’s also a singer-songwriter—and a growing presence on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where she connects directly with fans and shares her creative process.
With such a wide-ranging set of talents, McKenna Grace isn’t just following in the footsteps of Hollywood legends—she’s paving a path of her own.
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