Hunger Games Sequel ‘Catching Fire’ gets its new director

[Dream]

BREAKING: Lionsgate has tapped Francis Lawrence to direct Catching Fire, replacing Gary Ross as director of the second installment of The Hunger Games franchise. Deadline told you last night it came down to Lawrence and Moneyball helmer Bennett Miller, after Juan Antonio Bayona couldn’t do it. Miller was very interested, but wanted Lionsgate to push back so that he could make the Steve Carell-starrer Foxcatcher. Lionsgate wants to start production in late August, and wouldn’t do it (that’s the reason they lost Ross, who didn’t see a way to prep the picture in time). So that left Lawrence, and rumors have been flying all day he’d get the gig. Lawrence last helmed Water For Elephants, and before that I Am Legend and Constantine and before that videos for the likes of Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez and Green Day.

http://www.deadline.com/2012/04/francis-lawrence-is-the-choice-for-catching-fire/

This looks like a good call. I thought he did a great job with I Am Legend. Fanboy choice Alfonso Cuarón was always a pipe dream.

 

[Daneel]

I kind of figured Lionsgate would go with him, considering that they've made it pretty clear that they're committed to an August start date for filming (which was too soon for Bennett Miller).

Lawrence wouldn't have been my first pick, but I can see where it makes a certain amount of sense. I Am Legend was decent (it would've been a lot better if they'd kept the original ending, but I suppose that was the studio's call rather than Lawrence's), so hopefully he'll do solid work on Catching Fire.

Hey, at least it's not Ratner.

 

[JacksonArcher]

I would've preferred Bennett Miller, but Francis Lawrence is a solid (and more realistic) choice.

 

[nvek86]

They just keep adding the Lawrences to this franchise.
He seems to be a good choice and let's hope that the studio won't interfere that much like they did with his I Am Legend film (yes, I know, that was a different studio, but still).

 

[Mike Farley]

Hey, at least it's not Ratner.

There's always the third movie.

 

[Rowan Sjet]

Hey, at least it's not Ratner.

There's always the third movie.

*Breaks down weeping at the very thought*

 

[davejames]

Here's hoping he at least keeps the same restrained, character-centric approach as the first movie.

I'd hate for these to suddenly turn into just another flashy, fast-paced hollywood blockbuster that's only about action and special effects.

 

[Dream]

It's official now

After weeks of speculation following director Gary Ross' departure from "The Hunger Games" franchise, Lionsgate announced today that Francis Lawrence has officially volunteered (so to speak) as helmer of sequel "Catching Fire."

"It is truly an honor and a privilege to bring 'Catching Fire,' the second chapter of Suzanne’s beloved trilogy, to the big screen," Lawrence said in a release from the studio. "I fell in love with the characters, the themes and the world she created and this chapter opens all of these elements up in such a thrilling, emotional and surprising way. I can’t wait to dive right into it and bring this chapter to life along with the truly superb cast and filmmakers involved."

Lawrence most recently directed heartthrob Robert Pattinson in the 2011 big-screen adaptation of "Water for Elephants." His other credits include "I Am Legend" and the short-lived television series "Kings." The 41-year-old also has a rich music-video-directing history, having worked with Britney Spears, Beyoncé and Lady Gaga, among others.

http://hollywoodcrush.mtv.com/2012/05/03/catching-fire-director-francis-lawrence/

 

[Dream]

Philip Seymour Hoffman cast for 'Catching Fire'

 

[Starbreaker]

Holy crap... those three movies he's directed are mediocre to downright terrible.