It looks like there is no stopping Steven Soderbergh. With two major features coming out at the tail end of the year in Haywire and Contagion and plans to shoot the Channing Tatum starrer Magic Mike this fall, you would think he has his hands full already. However, The Playlist confirms, originally via tweets from production designer Eddie Mills and electrician Chrys Blackstone, that he will work as second unit director for The Hunger Games, the upcoming adaptation of Suzanne Collins‘s novel of the same name, directed by Gary Ross.
The news seems pretty weird considering his busy schedule but, apparently, Soderbergh and Ross have been close for years with Ross often looking over Soderbergh‘s scripts. Also, Phil Messina, a production designer for The Hunger Games, has also worked on many Soderbergh films such as the Ocean’s trilogy and Traffic.
It is most definitely good news for the movie, even if second unit directing isn’t exactly the most exciting prospect. We all know Soderbergh is an extremely quick worker, he did Traffic and Erin Brockovich in 2000 and both parts of the excellent Che in 2008 which is impressive by anybody’s standards. He works at a consistently rapid rate and, although, slightly dropping in quality with his most recent pair of films, the chances of his next two being a success are very high. Despite constant rumours of his imminent retirement, he also has several projects lined up after this year. So basically, if you’re a fan of his, there is lots to be excited for.
The Hunger Games is slated for a March 23rd, 2012 release and stars Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Dayo Okeniyi, Amandla Stenberg, Elizabeth Banks, Leven Rambin, Jack Quaid, Willow Shields, Paula Malcomson, Ian Nelson, Kalia Prescott, Stanley Tucci, Woody Harrelson, Lenny Kravitz and Donald Sutherland. Not a bad cast at all. Check out new hi-res photos above and below.
Are you excited for The Hunger Games? Has the addition of Steven Soderbergh increased your anticipation?