Official: Gary Ross WILL direct Hunger Games for Lionsgate!

Last Updated on July 23, 2021

What the hell took so long?!?

Something like six weeks it’s been since writing of Lionsgate’s interest in hiring Gary Ross to direct HUNGER GAMES, the teen-based sci-fi thriller adapted from Suzanne Collins’ novel. Today, it seems the decision has been made official!

Said to have edged out David Slade and Sam Mendes for the gig, Ross is somewhat of a dubious choice considering he’s only directed two features, the last time being 2003’s SEABISCUIT (his other being PLEASANTVILLE in 1998).

Billed as a cross between BATTLE ROAYLE and RUNNING MAN:

HUNGER GAMES – the first in a novel trilogy by Collins – takes place in an unidentified future time period after the destruction of North America, in a nation known as Panem. Panem consists of a wealthy Capitol and twelve surrounding, poorer districts. As punishment for a previous rebellion against the Capitol, every year one boy and one girl between the ages of 12 and 18 from each district are selected at random and forced to participate in the Hunger Games, a televised event where the participants, or “tributes”, must fight to the death in a dangerous outdoor arena until only one remains.

The story follows fatherless 16-year-old Katniss Everdeen, a girl from District 12 who volunteers for the 74th Games in place of her younger sister, Primrose. Also participating from District 12 is Peeta Mellark, a boy whom Katniss knows from school and who once saved Katniss’s life by giving her bread when her family was starving.

Given what you’ve seen from the man, does that sound like Gary Ross material? You think Slade or Mendes would have been better suited to direct?