It seems Lionsgate have begun a frantic search for a replacement director for the sequel to The Hunger Games, "Catching Fire", now that Gary Ross has decided not to helm the project. The LA Times report that the studio are looking to begin shooting by August, and have gathered together a list of directors to the top of their wishlist. Apparently there are seven in total, but only three are revealed here..
David Cronenberg, Alfonso Cuaron and Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu.
Film buffs will be very familiar with all three names I'm sure. Inarritu specializes in brilliant but bleak dramas such as
21 Grams, Babel and most recently
Biutiful. Cuaron helmed what many consider to be the best in the
Harry Potter series, "The Prisoner Of Azkhaban", and also the excellent
Children Of Men. And Cronenberg shouldn't need an introduction to anyone. The Canadian legend has directed some truly brilliant and influential movies including
The Fly, Scanners, Dead Ringers, Crash, The Dead Zone, Naked Lunch and more recently
A History Of Violence, Eastern Promises and
A Dangerous Method.
According to the site..
Any of the three men would be a reassuring choice for fans and Collins. And all three auteurs could have compelling takes on the material. Other names are sure to rise to the surface, but Cronenberg, Inarritu and Cuaron should give fans some reassurance that Lionsgate is doing its best to try to preserve their beloved franchise.
Indeed. I'm not sure they could aim any higher in fact. Out of these three, who has your vote?