A source has informed
The Hollywood Reporter that Fox has given talent agencies a heads up that filming of the
X-Men: First Class sequel will begin in January. This makes sense as Jennifer Lawrence is attached to the
Hunger Games franchise and filming for that sequel was expected to conflict. Now, Lionsgate can begin filming
Catching Fire in August and avoid any issues with Fox's
X-Men.
Over the past couple weeks it was reported that there had been tension between the two studios as both were fighting over the services of Jennifer Lawrence, who co-stars as Mystique in
X-Men and stars as Katniss Everdeen in
Hunger Games. Both films have done very well at the box office and sequels were never in doubt. The only issue was which sequel would get out of the gates first.
Hunger Games isn't out of the woods just yet, as they still have to resolve who will be directing the sequel
Catching Fire. Director of the first film, Gary Ross, has been reported to be battling with Lionsgate for a bigger payout after
Hunger Games became a smash hit. Sources for
The Hollywood Reporter expect Ross to settle the dispute and be at the helm for the second film.