It is reported that the 'Moneyball' director and the 'I Am Legend' helmer are added to Lionsgate Film's wish list for director of the sequel to 'The Hunger Games'.
- April 18, 2012
AceShowbiz -
Two more notable filmmakers have been added to the director wish list for "Catching Fire". The Playlist has revealed that "Moneyball" director Bennett Miller and "I Am Legend" helmer Francis Lawrence are all considered as potential candidates for the sequel to blockbuster movie "The Hunger Games".
Multiple insiders revealed that both Miller and Lawrence have begun "some conversations" with Lionsgate Films to shepherd the highly coveted gig. It is, however, unclear if the "Capote" filmmaker and the "Constantine" helmer are Lionsgate's viable options for now.
Miller last directed critically acclaimed baseball drama, "Moneyball", which also received Oscars nomination for Best Picture this year. As for Lawrence, the filmmaker's last project was "Water for Elephants", which starred Robert Pattinson and Reese Witherspoon.
Previously, Los Angeles Times reported that "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" helmer Alfonso Cuaron, "A Dangerous Method" director David Cronenberg, and "Babel" filmmaker Alejandro Gonzales Inarrity were also included on the wish list. The three moviemakers are best known for their dark-toned indie movies rather than commercial hits.
A source with knowledge of Lionsgate's wish list said that there are about seven or eight male directors with some significant credits who are considered for "Catching Fire". The studio is looking for a helmer who is able to handle a large ensemble of actors, as well as to juggle the demand of a swift schedule. Most importantly, he must be able to collaborate on a script with author Suzanne Collins and writer Simon Beaufoy.
"Catching Fire" has been facing a trouble since Gary Ross surprisingly exited "The Hunger Games" film franchise. Of why he decided to left the big franchise, Ross said, "I don't have the time I need to write and prep the movie I would have wanted to make because of the fixed and tight production schedule."
Since "Catching Fire" is scheduled to kick off filming in August, Lionsgate must choose a new director soon. The studio has also set a November 22, 2013 U.S. release for the follow-up movie, which will bring back Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth as Katniss Everdeen, Peeta Mellark and Gale Hawthorn respectively.
