When we went ahead and made our choices for who could possibly helm The Hunger Games sequel Catching Fire, we may have been aiming too low. With Gary Ross officially wiping his hands clean from continuing the franchise, Lionsgate is wasting no time on looking for a replacement and 24 Frames is reporting some lofty goals.
They indicate that author Suzanne Collins actually cares less about box office (but when you know you are guaranteed it, who does?) and rather wants an experienced director that can deliver an excellent film. Other qualities on the list is someone who has complete control of their sets and not a “petulant crybaby,” as filming needs to begin this summer in order to make next year’s release and fit into the ensemble’s schedule.
The complete shortlist includes 7-8 names and unfortunately no women at all, as they are all men who have been through the Hollywood ringer time and time again. It’s hard not to be shocked when you hear these names, but they are Alfonso Cuaron, David Cronenberg and Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu. At first glance, Cuaron makes the most sense as he came in to save the Harry Potter series when Chris Columbus departed. As we posited, he may also want to take something relatively easier after the strenuous-sounding Gravity.
The clear outsider is David Cronenberg, who although consistently being a target for major Hollywood movies (including Return of the Jedi and Top Gun), has always stayed content in his independent works. I can’t see him accepting any sort of offer, despite how much I’d love to see the odd creation he comes up with.
Then there is Inarritu, who could certainly craft something compelling with his knack for drama. There is also a film that is much more close to his heart that he wants to shoot this summer. I’d be more shocked if any of these names actually came through as true contenders. It would be a hefty paycheck compared to their normal rate, but it’s hard to see any of them officially signing for the film, especially Cronenberg.
Catching Fire is set to hit theaters November 2013.
Do you think any of these directors are actually interested in Catching Fire? Who would you want to see helm?