The Hunger Games Sequel Catching Fire Gets Two New Potential Directors

Last week directors David Cronenberg, Alfonso Cuaron and Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu appeared on an apparent Lionsgate wishlist to take helm on 'The Hunger Games' sequel 'Catching Fire', replacing original director Gary Ross whose talks broke down on a return. Now The Playlist are reporting exclusively that Francis Lawrence (I Am Legend, Water For Elephants) and Bennett Miller (Moneyball, Capote) are also in contention to land the highly coveted gig. Lawrence is the most obvious fit for the job having helmed more action orientated movies in his career with a dose of heavy effects (he also made Constantine) but also because he has showed a dramatic maturity with his last film 'Water For Elephants' that threatens to broaden his range. He has a free schedule and could jump straight on board to helm this. Miller otherwise is a strange choice. He has directed two fact based dramas and is currently setting up his third with 'Foxcatcher', a true crime story about the death of wrestler Dave Schulz by his neighbour that has Steve Carell, Channing Tatum and Mark Ruffalo attached to star. That film is gearing up for a fall shoot, the same time as Catching Fire will film. Now Lionsgate have a lucrative vacancy on this sequel but we doubt Miller is the kind who jump at cash over directing a project he has keen interest in making. 'Catching Fire' is being written by Slumdog Millionaire screenwriter Simon Beaufoy, and will once again star Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth. Filming is beying eyed for as early as an August shoot so a director will need to be agreed upon soon. 'Catching Fire' is set for a November 22nd, 2013 release.