McKenna Grace has officially joined the star-studded soundtrack for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, and as it turns out, her character provided plenty of songwriting inspiration.
The actress and singer-songwriter, who plays Maysilee Donner in the highly anticipated prequel, has been confirmed as one of the artists featured on the film’s accompanying album, contributing a track titled “Half Alive”.
Grace joins an impressive lineup that includes Jennifer Lawrence, Noah Kahan, Ella Langley, Stevie Nicks, The Cure, Lizzy McAlpine, and fellow cast member Whitney Peak. The 29-track album, executive produced by Dave Cobb, is set for release on November 13th, ahead of the film’s arrival in cinemas on the 19th.
Speaking to Rolling Stone AU/NZ ahead of the announcement, Grace revealed that she had written several songs inspired by Maysilee, drawing on the emotions and fiery personality of her District 12 tribute.
“Oh, gosh. I don’t know,” she said when asked whether any of her existing songs captured Maysilee’s spirit. “I have written a few songs inspired by her, from her perspective, so I feel like that would definitely be it.”
Grace told Rolling Stone AU/NZ that songwriting has always been a way for her to channel emotions she might not otherwise express in everyday life. It’s a fitting connection to Maysilee, whose bold personality and determination make her a formidable presence in the upcoming film.
“I feel like I tend to get angrier in my music than I ever would in my personal life, so I feel like a lot of my songs would probably have her energy, because that’s kind of my creative outlet to pour my emotions into,” she said.
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Of course, Grace is no stranger to juggling acting and music. She released her debut single “Haunted House” in 2021, followed by her debut album Bittersweet 16 in 2023 and EPs including Autumn Leaves. Her acting credits also include Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, Regretting You, and the Green Day-inspired comedy Nimrods.
And while Grace has found musical inspiration in her Hunger Games character, Australia’s own Joseph Zada, who plays a young Haymitch Abernathy opposite Grace’s Maysilee, is looking to the franchise itself for motivation. When asked what music the pair would listen to before stepping into the arena, Zada pointed to the films’ iconic soundtracks.
“I think all the scores from the film,” he told Rolling Stone AU/NZ.
Previous Hunger Games soundtracks have included contributions from Taylor Swift, Lorde, and Olivia Rodrigo, among many others.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping – The Album arrives November 13th, while the film opens in Australian and New Zealand cinemas on November 19th.
