Patrick Wachsberger - Lionsgate Seeking New Director For The Hunger Games: Mockingjay?

Lionsgate Seeking New Director For The Hunger Games: Mockingjay?

Lionsgate are seeking a new director for 'The Hunger Games: Mockingjay'.

The production company are reportedly on the hunt for a different director to spearhead the third instalment of Suzanne Collins' successful book trilogy because of their speedy release date plan for the final part of the franchise.

According to Collider.com, an insider said: ''Summit's Rob Friedman and Patrick Wachsberger, producers Nina Jacobson and author Suzanne Collins are currently vetting the right directors.''

Director Francis Lawrence has been confirmed to direct the upcoming second chapter, 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire', after the first film's director Gary Ross opted out of returning because Lionsgate are keen to release the sequel by November 2013 and need to start the production quickly.

It was announced last week that the third and final chapter will be spilt into two parts scheduled for release on November 21, 2014 and November 20, 2015 respectively.

Tomas Alfredson ('Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy'), Alejandro Gonzalez Innaritu ('Babel'), Duncan Jones ('Moon') and Cary Fukunaga ('Jane Eyre') were all reportedly considered for the role of 'Catching Fire' director, so they are likely contenders to direct 'Mockingjay'.

It is not yet known whether Lionsgate are looking for separate directors for the two 'Mockingjay' movies.

Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth and Josh Hutcherson are all set to reprise their respective roles of Katniss Everdeen, Gale Hawthorne and Peeta Mellark in 'Catching Fire', which is expected to be released on November 22, 2013.