McKenna Grace Blooms in Pink as ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ Tour Kicks off in Sydney

The road to Panem has officially begun again. ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ is the sixth film in the blockbuster franchise and the second prequel, adapted from Suzanne Collins’ 2025 novel, which takes audiences back 24 years before Katniss Everdeen ever stepped into the arena.

The campaign’s first public outing came on October 6 with a franchise costume exhibition at the Musée Rodin in Paris. From there, the promotional push headed to Australia, where Sydney-born star Joseph Zada was set to return to his hometown alongside co-star Mckenna Grace.

The pair kicked off the film’s global press tour in Sydney on October 14, posing beside Sydney Harbour with the Opera House as their backdrop. Grace turned heads with a soft, romantic look that perfectly suited the sunny setting.

She wore a pale pink gown by House of Gilles, with her stylist Molly Dickson confirming the designer on Instagram. The floor-length dress featured intricate pleating, an asymmetrical one-shoulder neckline, and a sheer cutout at the waist, while a long matching panel trailed from one shoulder for added drama.

Mckenna Grace at ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ photocall in Sydney 📸 (Shutterstock) https://t.co/xGOLBexnN0

— JumpTrailers (@JumpTrailers) October 14, 2026

Grace carried the floral theme into her styling. She tucked pink flower ornaments into her blonde hair, with one section styled into a loose braid finished with a tiny pink bow. She completed the look with sparkling pink floral earrings by Anabela Chan and a coordinating statement ring. The jewelry complemented the pastel gown without stealing attention from its striking construction.

mckenna grace looks like a princess straight out of a fairytale. https://t.co/Tz9bqjHFp6

— mckenna grace files ⋆.𐙚 ̊ (@mckennafiles) October 14, 2026

In the new movie, Grace plays Maysilee Donner, a District 12 tribute and the owner of the Mockingjay pin, and she also portrays Maysilee’s twin sister, Merrilee. When she was cast, Deadline described the highly sought-after role as the closest thing to the Katniss part that Jennifer Lawrence made famous.

Maysilee forms an unlikely alliance with Zada’s young Haymitch Abernathy as they become caught up in a dangerous attempt to undermine the Capitol. Readers of the book already know that her fate is a heartbreaking one.

Mckenna Grace and Joseph Zada at “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping” photocall in Sydney, Australia. https://t.co/vxLm4tX8BA

— mckenna grace files ⋆.𐙚 ̊ (@mckennafiles) October 14, 2026

Grace has been candid about the emotional weight of the story. “It’s gonna be really, really sad. I keep reminding everybody how sad it’s going to be,” she told Variety Australia, adding that audiences can expect plenty of drama.

She has also been full of praise for her co-star, calling Zada one of the most talented actors she has ever worked with. Grace predicted he is on the verge of becoming a major star.

The film opens on the morning of the reaping for the 50th Hunger Games, the Second Quarter Quell. Zada, 21, plays Haymitch, the District 12 tribute who would later become the mentor Woody Harrelson played in the original films.

The Games that changed it all. #TheHungerGames: Sunrise on the Reaping – only in theaters & IMAX November 20. https://t.co/KaN8WnHbxJ

— The Hunger Games (@TheHungerGames) October 13, 2026

Francis Lawrence, who directed 4 earlier installments including ‘The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes’, returns behind the camera. Billy Ray and Michael Lesslie wrote the screenplay. Grace and Zada are joined by an impressive cast that includes Jesse Plemons, Ralph Fiennes, Glenn Close, Kieran Culkin, Elle Fanning, Maya Hawke, Whitney Peak and Kelvin Harrison Jr. Billy Porter also appears in the film.

The movie serves as a sequel to ‘The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes’ and a prequel to the original ‘The Hunger Games’. That positioning gives longtime fans plenty of connections to look forward to.

‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ hits Australian theaters on November 19, followed by its U.S. release on November 20. With the global tour now underway, more appearances from the cast are sure to follow in the coming weeks.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!