Official: Slumdog scribe Simon Beaufoy writing Hunger Games sequel Catching Fire

Last Updated on July 23, 2021

Two months ago to the day we told you Lionsgate had set their sights on Oscar winning scribe Simon Beaufoy to pen CATCHING FIRE, Gary Ross’ HUNGER GAMES sequel. Well ladies and gents…Simon has officially taken the bait!

The Wrap confirms, as well as taking credit for what Deadline said in November…that Ross would return to the director’s chair for the sequel. Without needing confirmation, you can bet Jennfier Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, et al will be back as well!

From what I’ve heard, the HUNGER GAMES books are no literary works of genius. My guess then is Beaufoy (seen above) was simply made an offer he couldn’t refuse. Of course, SLUMDOG was an adaptation as well, so maybe he’s more comfortable in that arena than coming up with originals. Who knows.

In CATCHING FIRE, already slated for a November 22, 2013 release:

Much to her shock, Katniss has fueled an unrest she’s afraid she cannot stop. And what scares her more is that she’s not entirely convinced she should try. As time draws near for Katniss and Peeta to visit the districts on the Capitol’s cruel Victory Tour, the stakes are higher than ever. If they can’t prove, without a shadow of a doubt, that they are lost in their love for each other, the consequences will be horrifying.

Jennifer Lawrence