Lionsgate Considering Francis Lawrence and Bennett Miler for ‘Catching Fire’ Director’s Chair
4/17/2012Catching FireTheresa
According to The Playlist, Lionsgate has two more directors in their sites to potentially take on the chair for Catching Fire. In addition to the previously reported names of David Cronenberg, Alfonso Cuaron and Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, they are also considering. Bennett Miller and Francis Lawrence.
From The Playlist
Sources close to the project tell The Playlist that “Moneyball” helmer Bennett Miller and “I Am Legend” director Francis Lawrence are also in contention for the gig. Miller is coming off the very strong baseball drama (another project he picked up in flux when Steven Soderbergh’s version was axed at the last minute) which journeyed all the way to the Oscars with six nominations including Best Picture. There’s no doubt he’s got a handle on drama and emotional tone, and full-on action fare would be a new dynamic, but the filmmaker has proven himself extremely adaptable given his documentary beginnings. There is also the question of “Foxcatcher,” the true crime tale he’s been trying to make ever since he finished “Capote.” Mark Ruffalo recently joined the film that is eyeing a fall shoot, but would Miller be willing to put it on the backburner again? Could there be other factors at play pushing it back? These questions will need answering if Miller were to move forward here.
Meanwhile, Lawrence is the more obvious fit here. The former music video director and filmmaker knows action and effects down cold, and can also handle the dramatic beats the story would need, evidenced by “Water For Elephants.” And perhaps more importantly, his schedule is free and he could jump into this right away and get cracking on firming up the Simon Beaufoy-penned script (which we hear needs work) and getting into pre-production mode for the film that could be lensing as early as August.
So, what do you think of these two new names thrown in the mix? Who do you hope steps into the directors chair for Catching Fire? Let us know in the comments.
*Note The Playlist was the first to break the Gary Ross departure story before it became official, so their sources may be on to something here. We’ll just have to wait and see.*
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13 comments
Zoe
on said:
Is flocie lawince related to jenifer lawince ( katniss/katnip)?? Cuz if she is thats not really fair
Vivian
on said:
I think Bennett Miller would be an awesome choice!
Graffias
on said:
Please dear Lord not Alfonso. He royally screwed up the 3rd Potter movie. Please don’t let him butcher another fantastic book!!!!!
buenlg
on said:
this list of potential directors is getting very…random. maybe the three big names that were leaked first were just a pr stunt to test the waters so when they announce the director which won´t be a famous name i think, the fans won´t be mad because, hey, prestigious directors were considered for the job, but it turns out this less known one was the best fit… i hope i am wrong, but good directors don´t like to be rushed into production with an unfinished script and half the actors yet to be cast. i don´t think cuarón and the other two are really in contention for that reason alone.
Deb
on said:
I think you’ve probably nailed it. Lionsgate has pretty much set up a situation where major directors will not want to come on board.
On the other hand, there are some very talented lesser-known directors who are probably hungry for a major franchise win. Like, say, Duncan Jones or someone from TV like Jack Bender. A TV director would be a good choice because they are used to working under tight deadlines.
And I wouldn’t look down on a TV director; some of them are major talents. That’s how Whedon and Abrams started out.
Hannah
on said:
I still just want Gary back.
I wouldn’t be upset if they pushed the release date. I’d rather they take their time and make the the best movie possible, perhaps filming after X-Men. (And getting Gary back!)
Zoe
on said:
I totally agree with u Hannah!!!! All gary Ross fans should sayMOCKINGJAY4EVER ( in caps just like that one)
miss peeta-patta
on said:
soderbergh please
eva
on said:
when will they finally decide and make it official??? I AM DYING HERE!!
TPF1138
on said:
Disscussions about names on lists is certainly compelling, even if there is, in the end, little point to it. No doubt Bennet Miller would make a fine director for Catching Fire, Capote and Moneyball are ample evidence of his worth as a filmmaker. I would be very pleased if it were him.
I’m eager though, to move out of this limbo place we find ourselves in, so I can start looking forward to the flick again…
buenlg
on said:
@Deb i totally agree with you a tv director would be a good fit for this situation. i don´t think a famous director isn´t necessarily better than someone nobody has ever heard of, but being realistic, a big name isn´t likely to get attached to a project with so many limitations (time, mostly) but also artistic limitations. let´s be honest, i don´t think the producers are going to give the new director “carte blanche” when it comes to the portrayal of the story. i know a lot of people want gary ross back, he doesn´t want to do it, and the tight schedule has very little to do with it, believe me. you just have to go read some articles and will reach the same conclusion.
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