Back in September, we reported that after a wide net had been cast seeking the director for the upcoming adaptation of the wildly popular YA novel The Hunger Games, Gary Ross had come out on top. Last we heard, he was in final talks with Lionsgate to helm the first of the could-be franchise.
Well, Variety’s revealed the deal is nearly sealed as Ross is currently building buzz for the project at The American Film Market this week. Alongside the film’s producer, Nina Jacobson, Ross (Pleasantville) touted his vision for the dark drama in hopes of enticing buyers for the property’s foreign rights. Adding to the hype is news that the script for the hotly anticipated adaptation will be penned the trilogy’s author, Suzanne Collins, and polished by acclaimed screenwriter Billy Ray (Shattered Glass).
With The Hunger Games trilogy proving hugely popular with children and adults, Lionsgate is hoping the franchise will inspire the king of fandemonium and accompanying financial windfall the Harry Potter and Twilight series has.
Having read all three of the books (The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mockingjay), I can full-heartedly say I am eager for the adaptations. For those of you who haven’t read them: the trilogy centers on Katniss Evergreen, a sassy young girl and skilled huntress who enters the games to save her sister. The games themselves are a nationally televised kill-or-be-killed battle, where adolescent subjects of what remains of the decimated and divided U.S.A. are forced to compete. While fighting through a horrific series of onslaughts, Katniss not only struggles to survive but also to maintain her humanity.
While my hopes are high for the filmic interpretation of this battle royale tale, past horrendous film adaptations make me nervous. I’ve been burned so many times before…
How about you? Do you think Ross and company will make a worthwhile Hunger Games?