In case you haven’t heard, Gary Ross will not be returning to direct Catching Fire, the sequel to the ever so popular The Hunger Games. It seems Lionsgate has settled on a new director to replace him. It came down to Francis Lawrence vs. Bennett Miller in the final round, and Lawrence came out the victor. The deal has yet to be finalized, but the studio is moving super fast on Catching Fire and we can all expect an official statement soon.
More after the jump.
The shortlist for directors after Ross confirmed he was leaving the franchise included names such as Alfonso Cuaron, Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, David Cronenberg, Tomas Alfredson, Cary Fukunaga, and even Duncan Jones. In the end it came down to Bennett Miller who directed the oscar nominated Money Ball, and Francis Lawrence who directed Water for Elephants and I am Legend. Both directors met with the studio and THR reports that Lawrence received an offer Thursday afternoon.
Lawrence seems to have come out on top simply because of his open schedule. Miller has been in development with Foxcatcher which already has Steven Carell, Channing Tatum, and Mark Ruffalo cast for the drama. Production is slated to start in December and delaying for Catching Fire would be a pain in the ass. Lionsgate doesn’t want anything interfering with their November 22, 2013 release date.
Do you think Lionsgate made the right choice?