In a new article looking at Lionsgate’s dealings with The Hunger Games franchise, a few new tidbits concerning the production of Catching Fire were revealed.
We also learn that the studio wants to delay the release of The Hunger Games DVD.
Lions Gate, which said at the time that it was sorry Mr. Ross had chosen not to direct the film, is now close to a deal with Francis Lawrence, whose previous projects include “I Am Legend” and “Constantine,” according to people familiar with the matter.
On the cast’s contracts, the Catching Fire script and working with author Suzanne Collins:
One issue that is under control: All the primary “Hunger Games” cast members are signed up for the entire four-film series, so none are likely to follow Mr. Ross to the exit.
But the studio has yet to finalize a script, now being written by “Slumdog Millionaire” writer Simon Beaufoy. The author of the series, Suzanne Collins, will have input, as she did with the script for the first film.
Article Continues Below“I would call it a collaborative effort,” said Rob Friedman, Lions Gate motion picture group co-chair, referring to Ms. Collins’s participation. “Suzanne has always been very, very involved.”
On The Hunger Games DVD release:
The studio will also rely on the DVD release of “The Hunger Games” to fuel anticipation for “Catching Fire,” a strategy it credits with helping make the second “Twilight” film an even bigger success than the first. Due to the first film’s exceptional box office performance, the studio is considering pushing the DVD release to five months after its theatrical opening, as opposed to the usual four-month window, according to people familiar with the matter. That time frame would also allow it to take advantage of back-to-school momentum in the retail environment.
This means we may not see the The Hunger Games DVD until August or September, which to us feels like a very long wait! And with filming having just begun on the film, we doubt there will be any really good “first looks” at Catching Fire on The Hunger Games DVD.
Thanks to The Wall Street Journal.
We want to hear your thoughts on this topic!
Write a comment below or submit an article to Hypable.