Francis Lawrence is chosen to direct Catching Fire
We reported last week that Gary Ross passed on the sequel, which sent Lionsgate on the hunt to find a new director fast. Bennett Miller (Moneyball) was the other front runner, and it is said that both directors met with the studio today before Lionsgate made their final choice. Other directors in consideration were Tomas Alfredson, Alejandro González Iñárritu, Cary Fukunaga, and Duncan Jones.
Gary Ross was also planning on writing the Catching Fire script alongside Simon Beaufoy. It isn't known if Francis Lawrence will take a crack at the script, or if the studio will hire new writers.
The Hunger Games stars Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, and Liam Hemsworth are all returning for the sequel, although it isn't known when production will begin. Shooting will have to be wrapped by December, which is when Jennifer Lawrence begins production on the X-Men: First Class Sequel.
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire comes to theaters November 22nd, 2013 and stars Jennifer Lawrence, Elizabeth Banks, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Sam Claflin, Jena Malone, Woody Harrelson, Philip Seymour Hoffman. The film is directed by Francis Lawrence.
The Hunger Games was released March 23rd, 2012 and stars Stanley Tucci, Wes Bentley, Jennifer Lawrence, Willow Shields, Liam Hemsworth, Elizabeth Banks, Sandra Ellis Lafferty, Paula Malcomson. The film is directed by Gary Ross.
Comments (27)
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Kranendonk
@fanboy A script has been written. Movieweb hasn't got their facts right again. Lionsgate hired Simon Beaufoy to write it. He completed and handed in the first draft about a month ago.
1 year agoby @kranendonkFlag
Newtron
I can live with that.
1 year agoby @newtronFlag
Basquat
What a horrible choice. What Ratner turned it down.
1 year agoby @basquatFlag
Mutant
Awesome I love this guy 'oops' I mean I really like his films.
1 year agoby @zenderFlag
artkid04
well, I guess the one good thing that can come out of this is the film will have the same composer, James Newton Howard
1 year agoby @artkid04Flag
artkid04
don't mind francis lawrence, enjoyed I am legend, but come on, Duncan Jones is not doing anything why could they have not gone for him
1 year agoby @artkid04Flag
JennyL
@moviegeek Is that a good "interesting" or a bad one?
1 year agoby @JennyLFlag
The Knight Has Risen
DAMN IT! I WANTED ALFONSO!!! BRING ME ALFONSO, YOU BASTARDS!!!
1 year agoby @thehost91Flag
Jay.A.Ottley
I would have preferred Alfonso Cuaron, but oh well I guess Lawrence won because he has such an open schedule and my guess is they want someone they can contract for both films
1 year agoby @jayaottleyFlag
Jay.A.Ottley
@ghostman lol :)
1 year agoby @jayaottleyFlag
CUPID
Meh...
1 year agoby @cupidFlag
CelluloidDreams
Hate to say it not impressed W./director Francis Lawrence.! "Water for Elephants" had to be one of the "Worst Films" of 2011..!!
1 year agoby @2movieguysFlag
CelluloidDreams
Why after the first film in a trilogy does the director get replaced!?
Never a good sign!
1 year agoby @2movieguysFlag
Aces of Spades
Movieweb has Gary Ross listed as the director for 'Mocking Jay (2015)'. Wat.
1 year agoby @acesFlag
Red Camera Man
Haven't heard anything from this guy in a long time. He might do good for "Catching Fire" since I really liked "I Am Legend." :-)
1 year agoby @redcameramanFlag
Dan
So starring Lawrence and directed by Lawrence. Alright.
1 year agoby @dan1Flag
Josh
That was fast. The only context I have for this guy is I am Legend, but I really liked that movie.
1 year agoby @shuabertFlag
Bawnian©-Dexeus
With I am Legend and Water for Elephants under his belt, I see no problem. Constantine is a guilty pleasure of mine. No doubt he'll balance action with emotion
1 year agoby @bawnian-dexeusFlag
Daveactor7
@fanboy do you even know about Gary Ross's background? Having directed the excellent and his own original work "Pleasantville" and the great "Seabiscuit" I'd say he did a spectacular job in capturing the emotional aspect of the film and its suspense very well.
As for Francis Lawrence, I'd say this is an excellent choice. "I am Legend" contained suspenseful moments, emotional ones, this is a good pick.
1 year agoby @daveactor7Flag
MovieWiz001
huh.. He would actually do good!
1 year agoby @moviewiz001Flag
ROFLitschristian
Guh. Constantine: Bad, I Am Legend: Okay, Water For Elephants: Really?
I am not excited about this guy one bit.
1 year agoby @ROFLitschristianFlag
Ghostman
And it looks like @jayaottley finally had one of his stories published :)
1 year agoby @ghostmanFlag
moviegeek
Hmm... water for elephants... I am legend. Interesting
1 year agoby @moviegeekFlag
fanboy
Just glad Ross isnt coming back. I think he did a horrid job, overrated, sh*tty movie, IMO. But they haven't got the script written yet!? And it needs to be done filming by December? Thats not good news. But im at least glad Lawrence is directing, he will be much better than Ross was.
1 year agoby @fanboyFlag
felipe-11
Jennifer Lawrence's dad? TROLLFACE ON.
1 year agoby @felipe-11Flag
Cripple
While I'm not too keen on the sequel, I think Lawrence is an excellent choice for it.
1 year agoby @crippleFlag
Salemwolf711
I don't care...
1 year agoby @Salemwolf711Flag