**Mckenna Grace Opens Up About Collaboration and Inspiration from ‘Hunger Games’ Protagonist Josh Hutcherson in New Prequel Film**
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Mckenna Grace is set to dazzle audiences as she portrays the twin sisters Maysilee and Merrilee Donner in the much-anticipated prequel to the acclaimed Hunger Games series, titled *Sunrise on the Reaping*. The film is scheduled for release in UK cinemas on 20th November.
Grace, now 20 years old, has been busy on set while juggling her role in the latest instalment of the beloved franchise. Her experience has been enriched by her friendship with Josh Hutcherson, who rose to fame as Peeta Mellark in the original Hunger Games trilogy. Having recently collaborated with Hutcherson on the 2025 film *Five Nights at Freddy’s 2*, Grace took the opportunity to reach out to him for insights into his time filming the original series.
“I wanted to know how physically and emotionally demanding his experience was,” Grace explained in a recent interview. As she immerses herself in the emotionally charged world of her character, who faces the harrowing challenge of being hunted in a deadly competition, she found solace in Hutcherson’s candid reflections.
Grace noted that she struggled to differentiate between the emotional toll of her intense role and the physical demands of the filming process, stating, “My body couldn’t tell the difference between the trauma it faced in the arena and real life.” Her conversations with Hutcherson brought clarity to her experience, as he reassured her that the pressures of participating in the games were just as taxing for him.
Rather than seeking direct advice on how to navigate her role, Grace expressed her desire for engaging stories from Hutcherson’s time in the series, as someone who is a fervent admirer of the original films. “I just wanted stories,” she confirmed, adding that she had previously made fan edits dedicated to the franchise. Her admiration for Hutcherson and co-star Jennifer Lawrence inspired her to inquire about their experiences when they were of a similar age.
In the original Hunger Games films, Hutcherson and Lawrence portrayed the iconic characters of Peeta and Katniss Everdeen. Grace’s role as one of the District 12 tributes, Maysilee, places her at the heart of the action during the first Quarter Quell, an event marked by its brutal challenges. She relayed, “I was curious about the fun they had on set and how they coped with the pressures of working in the water during *Catching Fire*.”
Hutcherson shared his memories of filming the second instalment with Grace, including the freezing conditions they endured and the rigorous demands placed upon them as actors. “He recounted the intensity and brutality of the filmmaking process, revealing how early start times took a toll on them both physically and mentally,” Grace recalled.
Alongside Grace and newcomer Joseph Zada as young Haymitch, the cast of *Sunrise on the Reaping* is impressive, boasting talents such as Ralph Fiennes, Kieran Culkin, Glenn Close, and Elle Fanning. Many of these esteemed actors portray younger versions of characters first seen in the original films, adding depth and continuity to the prequel narrative.
In a nostalgic nod to fans, both Hutcherson and Lawrence will make brief cameo appearances, connecting the legacy of the previous films with this new chapter. Grace acknowledged the significance of their participation, hinting at the profound impact of the original series and the lasting affection fans hold for these characters.
As the release date approaches, Grace’s excitement is palpable, with the actress eager to share her portrayal of the twins and contribute to the expansive Hunger Games universe. She encourages fans to anticipate not just the action, but also the deeper emotional connections that the film seeks to explore.
*The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping* promises to deliver suspense, drama, and a connection to the beloved story that captivated a generation. With its hit release just around the corner, audiences are preparing to be enthralled by the latest adventure from Panem.