Mckenna Grace is bringing her longtime The Hunger Games fandom into both her performance as Maysilee Donner and the promotional campaign for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. In an interview with Cosmopolitan, Grace discussed how years of following the franchise fashioned her portrayal.
Grace told Cosmopolitan that she was already fully invested in the franchise before being cast. She recalled making fan edits, collecting memorabilia, and <a href="https://comicvibe.com/tiktok-prankster-says-getting-bashed-on-dr-phil-was-actually-a-win/” title=”TikTok Prankster Says Getting Bashed on 'Dr. Phil' Was Actually a Win”>getting a bow and arrows to imitate Katniss Everdeen. She also told director Francis Lawrence that she had watched the films and read the books countless times, so running toward the Cornucopia on set felt surreal. In a previous interview with People, she detailed how she is paying tribute to Panem through her press-tour wardrobe.
Grace Wanted Maysilee’s Signature Details Preserved
Her familiarity with theance. Grace said she keeps journals for her characters, including pages devoted to details fans would recognize
For Maysilee, she personally asked Lawrence to include the character’s braid and mockingjay pin. The pin is especially significant because the mockingjay symbol eventually becomes associated with Katniss Everdeen.
Grace also addressed how she interprets Maysilee’s personality. She told Cosmopolitan that the character is sometimes misunderstood because of her snark, explaining that she also has a kind heart and cares deeply about the people she loves.
Her Press-Tour Outfits Include References to Panem
Grace’s franchise tributes have also carried over into her promotional appearances. According to People, she has incorporated references to Katniss, District 12, and Maysilee into her press-tour wardrobe.
Details include Maysilee’s signature braid and butterfly motifs referencing the butterfly mutts in the upcoming film. Other outfits pay homage to memorable looks from previous installments, including Katniss’ wedding dress from The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.
Grace also revealed that she regularly sends her stylist outfit ideas, describing the process as an enjoyable way to incorporate references throughout the promotional campaign.
The actress previously recalled crying when she learned she had landed the roles of Maysilee and her twin sister, Merrilee. Joining a franchise she had followed for years has given her a familiar world to bring her own interpretation to.
