Francis Lawrence - Francis Lawrence Confirmed As The Hunger Games Sequel Director

The filmmaker behind I Am Legend and Water for Elephants will replace Gary Ross, who stepped away from the book-to-film franchise in March (12).

Lionsgate President of Production Erik Feig made the hire official on Thursday (03May12) in a statement, which reads, "Lionsgate, the cast, and filmmakers are all thrilled to have Francis Lawrence come on board as director of Catching Fire... We all think Francis is the perfect director to bring the story to life."

Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Lenny Kravitz, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks and Stanley Tucci are all expected to reprise their Hunger Games characters in the sequel.