The Twilight Saga has been a huge success for Summit Entertainment, leaving most Hollywood studios green with envy. It seems that Lionsgate are hoping to jump on the bandwagon with an adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ trilogy of novels, The Hunger Games.
A script has been penned by Billy Ray (Breach), and Lionsgate are hoping to bag either Sam Mendes (American Beauty), Gary Ross (Seabiscuit) or David Slade, who delivered us Twilight: Eclipse, to direct the first installment in the series.
According to The Playlist, the story follows Katniss Everdeen, an enterprising 16-year old from a poor territory that was once Appalachia, who becomes a teen gladiator in a reality show event that is a battle to the death against other teens from the 12 districts that make up what is left of the USA, which is run by a cruel totalitarian government.
It’ll be interesting to see who, if any of these names, eventually sign on. Slade is probably the most suitable for this genre, but if he signs on for Wolverine 2, then he’ll be unavailable. In my opinion, neither Mendes or Ross have the suitable background for this type of film.
It’s sure to be a well-documented, and speculated affair. Lionsgate, however, will undoubtedly be wanting to find someone quick sharp, in order for filming to get underway for a possible late 2012 release, once the Twilight hysteria has drawn to a close.
In related news, Chloe Moretz has expressed her interest in playing Katniss Everdeen, saying, “I really, really want to be in it.” Digitalspy now say she’s the favourite to win the role.
Who would you like to direct the first installment in The Hunger Games trilogy? Do you think Chloe Moretz is a good choice for the role of Katniss Everdeen? Have your say below.
