Back in November, it was reported that
Game Change scribe Danny Strong was hired to work on the script for Lionsgate's two-part adaptation of
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, the final book in the highly successful novel series. When the news originally broke, it was said that Strong would be working on both parts. However, according to
The Hollywood Reporter, his script for
Part 1 had to be approved by the studio before working on
Part 2, which he had an option for. Now, with Lionsgate giving his draft for
Part 1 the OK, Strong is now prepping for the next part. It is currently unknown how the novel will be split into two films. In the original story,
"heroine Katniss Everdeen escapes the fight-to-the-death games and reluctantly agrees to lead the districts of Panem in a rebellion against the Capitol. She teams with close friend Gale to bring down the brutal rulers." Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth are attached to reprise their respective roles from the first two films. Francis Lawrence, who is currently filming
Catching Fire (out November 22nd), is directing both parts.
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 has a release date of November 21st, 2014, while
Part 2 opens November 20th, 2015.