Director Francis Lawrence has been shooting The Hunger Games: Catching Fire since September, but that didn't stop Lionsgate from announcing that he will remain with the franchise and direct parts 1 and 2 of Mockingjay. Before taking over to helm three of the four Hunger Games films, he was best known for the end of the world/vampire thriller I Am Legend starring Will Smith. But after Gary Ross directed The Hunger Games and left due to concerns that they were rushing the films, Lawrence has been the man in charge.
I'm curious to see how a Lawrence-led Catching Fire turns out, but the studio has to have enough faith in the director to have him finish out the franchise. Catching Fire releases November 22, 2013 and stars Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Sam Claflin, Jena Malone and Donald Sutherland. I would assume they're all returning for the final two parts of Mockingjay, as well.
You can follow Movies and Culture Editor Lance Liebl on Twitter @Lance_GZ. He likes talking sports, video games, and the stupidity of celebrities. Email at LLiebl@GameZone.com
