The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping bags a Young Sheldon actress for Maysilee Donner

The details of the latest film in the The Hunger Games franchise, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, are slowly reaching fans, and the latest actress to join the project is someone who's no stranger to emotionally intense roles. McKenna Grace, who has previously been a big hit on NBC's Young Sheldon, has just joined the cast, and the actress will be portraying the role of Maysilee Donner, Haymitch Abernathy’s fellow District 12 Tribute.

Grace will have one of the central characters in the movie as her role has been described as being the closest thing to Jennifer Lawrence's Katniss in previous films.

The actress is known for her diverse roles across multiple genres and franchises. She has portrayed a young Carol Danvers in Captain Marvel. After that, she played Phoebe Spengler in Ghostbusters: Afterlife and its sequel, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire. Apart from that she has been seen in popular projects like I, Tonya and Troop Zero.

Some of her upcoming acting pursuits include the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel Regretting You, Blumhouse’s Kiss of Death, and Five Nights at Freddy’s 2. She is also a part of the Scream franchise and will be a part of Scream 7.

More details on The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping

"The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2" - UK Premiere - VIP Arrivals - Source: Getty

The newest addition to the franchise is a much-anticipated one, as fans are excited to revisit one of the best franchises inspired by books. Mckenna Grace will be joined by Joseph Zada, who will portray a young Haymitch Abernathy, and Whitney Peak will play his girlfriend, Lenore Dove Baird.

Addressing the castings, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Co-President Erin Westerman has previously told Deadline,

“The Hunger Games franchise has long been a launching pad for remarkable young actors, and Jo and Whitney carry that legacy forward with incredible heart, depth, and fire. After auditioning hundreds of gifted performers from around the world, these two stood out — not just for their talent, but for the emotional truth they brought to these iconic roles. We can’t wait for fans to experience the story that shaped one of the most compelling characters in the series.”

Francis Lawrence will serve as director, drawing from a script by Billy Ray that is based on Suzanne Collins' best-selling book. Brad Simpson and Nina Jacobson from Color Force will be producing the film, while Cameron MacConomy is being tapped in as Executive Producer.

Sunrise on the Reaping takes place in Panem 24 years prior to the events of The Hunger Games and begins on the morning of the reaping of the Fiftieth Hunger Games, commonly known as the Second Quarter Quell.