Francis Lawrence - Francis Lawrence To Direct Hunger Games Sequel

Francis Lawrence To Direct Hunger Games Sequel

Francis Lawrence is set to direct the 'Hunger Games' sequel.

Studio Lionsgate have been searching for someone to helm the follow-up to the first instalment of the franchise after it was revealed Gary Ross would not be returning.

So now they have made an offer to Lawrence to direct 'Catching Fire' and are waiting for him to sign The Deal.

Lawrence - who has previously directed 'I Am Legend' and 'Water for Elephants' - was up against Bennett Miller for the role but it is thought he was always the favourite because he had a clearer schedule, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Up until recently Ross was set to return to the franchise and revealed he was to make the next film in the three part series written by Suzanne Collins.

He said: ''I am attached to the next film and I'm intending to do it, I haven't had a chance to think about it yet. So many people ask me adaptation questions or 'Who's gonna play so-and-so?' I literally finished this movie Tuesday at midnight, I finished colour timing, and then I went into the junket a day later, so it's not like I've had a chance to think about 'Catching Fire', but yeah it's my intention to do the next one. They've asked me to do so.''