Bennett Miller and Francis Lawrence have been added to short list to direct ‘Hunger Games’ sequel. By Kevin P. Sullivan Jennifer Lawrence in “Hunger Games” Photo: Lionsgate It is now certainly safe to say that the search for a ” Catching Fire ” director is under way. Not long after ” Hunger Games ” director Gary Ross turned down the job, names of potential replacements began appearing. Last week, a Lionsgate wish list of seven or eight directors included the names David Cronenberg, Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu and Alfonso Cuaron. (We also had a few suggestions of our own.) Now, two more possibilities have stepped forward. The Playlist is reporting that Bennett Miller and Francis Lawrence are also in contention for the gig. Both directors have impressive r
Which Hollywood heavy-hitter will step in to take helm of ‘Catching Fire’? By Jason Kaufman Jennifer Lawrence in “Hunger Games” Photo: Lionsgate The big “Hunger Games” news this week wasn’t how much cash continued to pour in, but the director who was on his way out. Gary Ross released a statement saying he would not be back for the sequel. “Despite recent speculation in the media, and after difficult but sincere consideration, I have decided not to direct ‘Catching Fire,’ ” Ross said. “As a writer and a director, I simply don’t have the time I need to write and prep the movie I would have wanted to make because of the fixed and tight production schedule. I loved making ‘The Hunger Games’ — it was the happiest experience of my professional life.” “Hunger Games” studio Lionsgate expressed remorse at Ross’ departure. “We’re very sorry that Gary Ross has chosen not to direct ‘Catching Fire.’ We were really looking forward to making the movie with him. He did an incredible job on the first film and we are grateful for his work.” MTV Movies Managing Editor Eric Ditzian thought something was up. “I am frankly surprised he’s not coming back, but in retrospect, I could see the implication when he was speaking to us, he was very reluctant to talk about ‘Catching Fire,’ ” Ditzian told the panel on the latest edition of MTV News’ “Talk Nerdy.” Watch Gary Ross on “Hunger Games” Sequels” “Nerdy” host Josh Wigler expressed the need for urgency on the part of Lionsgate to make their hire soon. “Whoever they get to direct ‘Fire’ needs to have started yesterday. They really need to make this hire pretty fast; production is moving in August.” Who will step in for Ross? On Ditzian’s wish list: Darren Aronofsky. “Great with the hand-held camera, great with these intimate first-person narratives. But it’s not going to happen. He’s busy.” Ditzian’s pick for the auteur to drive Katniss’ next chapter is Oscar-winning Danny Boyle, who’s no stranger to hand-held cameras himself and has proved time and time again, from “Trainspotting” to “127 Hours,” that he’s a master of first-person tales as well. The MTV Movies staff also predicts the short list of directors will include Steven Soderbergh, John Hillcoat and J.J. Abrams. Best Picks for the “Catching Fire” Director Job “The movie can survive,” Ditzian said. Jennifer Lawrence Tells MTV News About Planning Ahead for “Catching Fire.” Check out everything we’ve got on “Catching Fire.” For young Hollywood news, fashion and “Twilight” updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com . Related Videos Talk Nerdy MTV Rough Cut: Gary Ross Related Photos ‘Hunger Games’ Cast Hits NYC
According to an LA Times report citing an insider in the know, Lionsgate is looking at a few notable names to take the helm of the Hunger Games franchise for the series sequel Catching Fire . Among the “seven or eight names” — all men, it’s noted — are David Cronenberg , Alfonso Cuaron , and Alejandro González Iñárritu . Supposing this shortlist is accurate, and knowing that the studio wants to get a move on with a director capable of wrangling the sequel into shape for an August start date, which of these three alleged candidates would you rather see bring Katniss Everdeen’s next adventure to life? From The LA Times: According to a source with knowledge of the list who isn’t permitted to speak on the record, Lionsgate needs to find a director with enough credits and accolades to appeal to Collins, who is much more interested in quality filmmaking than box-office prowess. This director also needs to have an even keel; no petulant crybabies allowed… task will require someone who can wrangle a large ensemble of actors, juggle the demands of a swift schedule and collaborate on a script with Collins and writer Simon Beaufoy. “No petulant crybabies allowed.” Interesting. Well, Cuaron’s got Harry Potter cred under his belt. Iñárritu would certainly drive home the abject desperation of the world of Panem. And maybe working with Twilight ‘s Robert Pattinson has brought Cronenberg one step closer to the YA universe. But I’m more curious about the other four or five names on this list… who else matches the profile for non-crybaby, good with kids, franchise-able serious-movie directing? [ LA Times ]
Gary Ross and The Hunger Games have parted ways. Ross’ exit was all but confirmed last week, but he’s released a statement explaining why he decided to discontinue his work with the famous trilogy: “Despite recent speculation in the media, and after difficult but sincere consideration, I have decided not to direct Catching Fire ,” said Ross (below, right). “As a writer and a director, I simply don’t have the time I need to write and prep the movie I would want to make because of the fixed and tight production schedule.” “I loved making The Hunger Games. It was the happiest experience of my professional life. Lionsgate was supportive in a manner that few directors ever experience.” “They empowered me to make the film I wanted to make and backed the movie in a way that requires no explanation beyond the remarkable results.” “And contrary to what has been reported, negotiations with Lionsgate have not been problematic. They have also been very understanding of this difficult decision.” “I also cannot say enough about the people I worked with: Producer Nina Jacobson, a great collaborator and a true friend; the brilliant Suzanne Collins, who entrusted us with her most amazing and important story; the remarkable Jennifer Lawrence whose performance exceeded my wildest expectations, and the rest of the incredible cast, whom I am proud to call my friends.” “To the fans I want to say thank you for your support your faith, your enthusiasm and your trust. Hard as this may be to understand I am trying to keep that trust with you. Thank you all. It’s been a wonderful experience.” The studio also released a statement addressing the news , saying, “We’re very sorry that Gary Ross has chosen not to direct Catching Fire.” “We were really looking forward to making the movie with him. He did an incredible job on the first film and we are grateful for his work. This will not be the end of our relationship, as we consider Ross to be part of the Lionsgate family.” Sad news, but inevitable from the sound of it. And now, the search for the new director begins. Any thoughts on who should direct Catching Fire ? [Photo: Fame/Flynet]
Promoting his indie genre-bender Detention today in Los Angeles (in theaters Friday), Hunger Games star Josh Hutcherson found himself in the line of questioning about the much-discussed ambiguity surrounding director Gary Ross ‘s potential return to the franchise. “I think Gary’s the man,” he diplomatically told The Hollywood Reporter . “Gary is in my mind is the only one that could ever direct the second one. That’s what I’m sticking to.” ( UPDATE : Looks like Hutcherson’ll have to readjust his thinking – Ross is officially out of the running for Catching Fire .) Also speaking with ComingSoon , the erstwhile Peeta Mellark stood his ground on Team Ross. “He killed the first one, absolutely knocked it out of the park. Everyone loved him. Myself, Jennifer and the others loved him. I couldn’t imagine making another movie without him, so that’s what I have to say about that.” Ross is still reportedly hashing out the Catching Fire gig with Lionsgate despite suggestions that the two had reached an impasse in negotiations. For the time being, the studio isn’t quite ready to pull a Catherine Hardwicke and announce the search for a new franchise director. But the clock is still ticking, especially if the next book in Suzanne Collins’ bestselling Hunger Games series is set to begin filming later this summer… [ THR , ComingSoon ]
Well, that was fast: Just hours after Josh Hutcherson gamely threw his support behind Hunger Games director Gary Ross , Ross has officially announced he’s not directing the franchise sequel, Catching Fire . “I simply don’t have the time I need to write and prep the movie I would have wanted to make,” wrote Ross in a statement. More after the jump. Whatever happened behind the scenes, Ross and Lionsgate’s joint statements make a point to emphasize that not directing Catching Fire was Ross’s decision, not the studio’s — a nicety that conveys good terms whether or not tough negotiations over salary and the like were had. Similar sentiments were expressed back in 2008 when, after opening the first Twilight film at number 1 on the way to a $392 million global take, director Catherine Hardwicke and Summit parted ways. Back then, the reason given was that Hardwicke’s desired amount of time to properly develop the sequel was longer than what the studio wanted to allot. “I am sorry that due to timing I will not have the opportunity to direct New Moon ,” Hardwicke said in December 2008 . “Directing Twilight has been one of the great experiences of my life, and I am grateful to the fans for their passionate support of the film. I wish everyone at Summit the best with the sequel — it is a great story. Compare that with Ross’s statement and let the wild speculation roll as to why Ross is truly out — and, more importantly, who’ll step in to fill his director’s chair on the rapidly approaching Catching Fire , said to be slated to begin filming as early as this August. Despite recent speculation in the media, and after difficult but sincere consideration, I have decided not to direct Catching Fire . As a writer and a director, I simply don’t have the time I need to write and prep the movie I would have wanted to make because of the fixed and tight production schedule. I loved making The Hunger Games – it was the happiest experience of my professional life. Lionsgate was supportive of me in a manner that few directors ever experience in a franchise: they empowered me to make the film I wanted to make and backed the movie in a way that requires no explanation beyond the remarkable results. And contrary to what has been reported, negotiations with Lionsgate have not been problematic. They have also been very understanding of me through this difficult decision. I also cannot say enough about the people I worked with: Producer Nina Jacobson, a great collaborator and a true friend; the brilliant Suzanne Collins, who entrusted us with her most amazing and important story; the gifted and remarkable Jennifer Lawrence whose performance exceeded my wildest expectations, and the rest of the incredible cast, whom I am proud to call my friends. To the fans I want to say thank you for your support your faith, your enthusiasm and your trust. Hard as this may be to understand I am trying to keep that trust with you. Thank you all. It’s been a wonderful experience. Statement from Lionsgate: We’re very sorry that Gary Ross has chosen not to direct Catching Fire . We were really looking forward to making the movie with him. He did an incredible job on the first film and we are grateful for his work. This will not be the end of our relationship, as we consider Ross to be part of the Lionsgate family and look forward to working with him in the future. [via Deadline ]
‘After difficult but sincere consideration, I have decided not to direct ‘Catching Fire,’ ‘ Ross says in a statement. By Katie Byrne and Kara Warner Gary Ross Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/ Getty Images A roller-coaster week for “The Hunger Games” just got even bumpier: Director Gary Ross has officially announced he won’t direct the sequel, “Catching Fire.” The week began positively enough, with “The Hunger Games” topping the box office for the third weekend in a row, earning nearly $303 million since its debut. But that news was quickly followed Monday with a surprising Playlist story claiming Ross wouldn’t return for the movie adaptation of “Catching Fire,” a report that has now been confirmed via statements from Ross himself and “Games” studio Lionsgate. “Despite recent speculation in the media, and after difficult but sincere consideration, I have decided not to direct ‘Catching Fire,’ ” Ross said in his statement. “As a writer and a director, I simply don’t have the time I need to write and prep the movie I would have wanted to make because of the fixed and tight production schedule. “I loved making ‘The Hunger Games’ — it was the happiest experience of my professional life,” the statement continued. “Lionsgate was supportive of me in a manner that few directors ever experience in a franchise: they empowered me to make the film I wanted to make and backed the movie in a way that requires no explanation beyond the remarkable results. And contrary to what has been reported, negotiations with Lionsgate have not been problematic. They have also been very understanding of me through this difficult decision.” Lionsgate echoed Ross’ disappointment in the ended “Games” partnership: “We’re very sorry that Gary Ross has chosen not to direct Catching Fire. We were really looking forward to making the movie with him. He did an incredible job on the first film and we are grateful for his work. This will not be the end of our relationship, as we consider Ross to be part of the Lionsgate family and look forward to working with him in the future.” Ross’ heartfelt sentiments did not end with his thanks to the studio. “I also cannot say enough about the people I worked with: Producer Nina Jacobson, a great collaborator and a true friend; the brilliant Suzanne Collins, who entrusted us with her most amazing and important story; the gifted and remarkable Jennifer Lawrence whose performance exceeded my wildest expectations, and the rest of the incredible cast, whom I am proud to call my friends,” he added in his statement. “To the fans I want to say thank you for your support your faith, your enthusiasm and your trust. Hard as this may be to understand I am trying to keep that trust with you. Thank you all. It’s been a wonderful experience.” There will likely be a long list of directors gunning to fill Ross’ shoes, but until we receive word of an official list of names, we have a very well-thought-out list of our own we hope Lionsgate considers. Check out everything we’ve got on “The Hunger Games.” For young Hollywood news, fashion and “Twilight” updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com . Related Videos MTV Rough Cut: Gary Ross Related Photos The Hunger Games
Get ready for Sarah Palin vs. Levi Johnston, Round 289! The former V.P. candidate claims her daughter Bristol’s baby daddy is straight up lying with his recent claims that the Palins actively try to keep him from his son. This all started after Johnston got Sunny Oglesby pregnant … and accused Sarah Palin of hatching a plan to block him from Tripp, his three-year-old child with Bristol. Levi’s implied accusation didn’t sit well with Sarah. In response to Levi’s accusations about them, Sarah and Todd Palin issued a statement to TMZ (this story would be funny if it ended right there), saying: “We have never hidden Tripp from Levi or discouraged Levi from spending time with him. Any suggestion we have is false and contrary to our core beliefs.” “The last time either of us recall a conversation with Levi was in the summer of 2010 when Levi sat down at our house with us and personally apologized about the lies he told to the media about our family. Neither of us have talked to him since.” “We’re disappointed that he continues to spread falsehoods to garner media attention. We encourage Levi and all non-custodial fathers to be fully engaged and to positively, fully participate in their children’s lives.” “This includes not making misstatements about his child’s grandparents.” Don’t bet on that. Which side are you on? [Photos: WENN.com]
Lionsgate has already booked a November 2013 release date for the wildly-anticipated sequel to The Hunger Games , Catching Fire . But might the studio have trouble meeting this deadline? The question arises because negotiations aren’t going smoothly with director Gary Ross, who executives want to return based on the overwhelmingly positive reviews for the first installment of the franchise. Ross earned $3 million for The Hunger Games – plus back-end profits – and, sources tell The Hollywood Reporter, is angling for a major sequel raise . All other major players have signed on for both Catching Fire and Mockingjay – from Jennifer Lawrence to Liam Hemsworth – so the only real hold-up at the moment is Ross. The film could always take on a new director, of course, but an insider sees that as unlikely. “Ultimately, it will be difficult, and yet everybody will do the sane thing, which is to work it out. Everybody will end up unhappy in their own way. It’s just the nature of the beast.”
In this week’s Hobnobbing, we take a look at how Gary Ross’ sequel can build upon the success of the first. By Amy Wilkinson Jennifer Lawrence in “The Hunger Games” Photo: Lionsgate To no one’s surprise, the highly anticipated “Hunger Games” opened last week to boffo box-office numbers , all but guaranteeing the second installment in Suzanne Collins’ series, “Catching Fire,” will set theaters ablaze come November 22, 2013. Director Gary Ross, who will also helm the follow-up, has already begun formulating his vision for the 75th annual Hunger Games, telling MTV News, “I have some ideas about how to do ‘Catching Fire’ slightly differently, but I don’t want to share them yet. Not because I’m being evasive, but just because they’re not fully baked. But yes, I think it will look and feel slightly different from the first.” With its jungle-like setting, the next arena will be a much different beast than the forested first, so it’s no wonder Ross is re-jiggering his approach. We can only speculate that some of his sequel planning will include reviewing “The Hunger Games” in great detail — what worked and what didn’t. To that end, we’ve compiled a list of five “Hunger Games” lessons that can and should inform “Catching Fire.” DO keep the arena underwraps This one isn’t so much for Ross as it is for the Gamemakers at Lionsgate, but we have to recognize the studio’s smart decision to use only pre-Games footage in their aggressive marketing campaign for the film. In fact, I’d go so far as to say my favorite parts of the movie were from the arena, largely because they were fresh and unexpected. With the Quarter Quell’s intriguing new venue, Lionsgate would be wise to build anticipation by keeping the tropical death trap shrouded in mystery. DON’T skimp on the CGI If there was a consistent complaint I heard from “Hunger Games” fans following the film’s release, it was that the Girl on Fire scene — in which Katniss and Peeta introduce themselves to the Capitol, riding atop a chariot and flaunting flame-licked jumpsuits representative of their coal-mining home — was … underwhelming. The flame effect just didn’t look real enough. With a slew of new sci-fi aspects introduced in “Catching Fire,” including mutated monkeys, we hope Ross can invest a bit more in the film’s digital technology. DO capitalize on Stanley Tucci Say what you will about Jennifer Lawrence’s gripping, gritty performance as Katniss Everdeen, but if anyone could be categorized as the film’s scene-stealer, it was most certainly Stanley Tucci, whose blue-haired, big-teethed Caesar Flickerman was nothing short of mesmerizing (and a handy exposition device to boot!). Heck, I’d pay to watch a Caesar Flickerman spin-off once all three (four?) “Hunger Games” films debut. “Caesar Flickerman: Not So Blue.” Think about it, Lionsgate. DON’T downplay the dangers of the arena Between her 23 fellow tributes, tracker jackers and muttations, Katniss had plenty to contend with in the arena. But, as my roommate so astutely pointed out to me long after I watched the film and didn’t notice, we never really see Katniss hungry or thirsty. Limiting the violence for a PG-13 rating is an understandable edit, but why dull down the deadliness of the Games otherwise? In “Catching Fire,” we need to see Katniss and her fellow tributes truly struggle, not simply limp along. DO make artful additions (especially if they’re directed by Steven Soderbergh) By shifting the viewpoint of the film from Katniss’ first-person perspective, Ross was able to open up the world of Panem in a way we hadn’t experienced before. The addition of the control room, Seneca Crane’s implied death by berries and, most notably, the District 11 riot only added to the film. What do you think “Catching Fire” can learn from “The Hunger Games”? Sound off in the comments below and tweet me @amymwilk with your thoughts and suggestions for future columns! Check out everything we’ve got on “Hunger Games.” For young Hollywood news, fashion and “Twilight” updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com . Related Photos The Hunger Games Inside ‘The Hunger Games’ Capitol
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