AceShowbiz - A new star is added to "The Hunger Games" prequel movie. McKenna Grace is set to portray Maysilee Donner, a significant character who competes alongside Haymitch Abernathy in Panem's history.

"The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping" takes place 24 years before the original series, chronicling the events surrounding the Fiftieth Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell.

Joseph Zada will bring a young Haymitch Abernathy to life, a role famously played by Woody Harrelson in the original trilogy. Whitney Peak joins the movie as Haymitch's girlfriend, Lenore Dove Baird.

Directed by Francis Lawrence, who helmed the previous adaptations including the recent prequel "The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes", the film promises to stay true to Suzanne Collins' compelling narrative.

The screenplay, penned by Billy Ray, is based on Collins' bestselling novel, "Sunrise on the Reaping," which has already made waves with impressive sales. Published just last month, the novel sold 1.5 million copies in its first week, eclipsing the sales of Collins' previous prequels and original works.

Mckenna Grace is known for her roles in "Ghostbusters: Afterlife" and its sequel "Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire." She also stars in "Nobody 2," "Five Nights at Freddy's 2," "Scream 7," and Lionsgate's "Anniversary."

"Sunrise on the Reaping" is slated for release on November 20, 2026. The success of the "Hunger Games" franchise, which has grossed over $3.3 billion globally, sets high expectations for this next installment.