Gary Ross in talks to direct Hunger Games

Is it bad that the first I heard of this HUNGER GAMES series of books was about two weeks ago? I’m going to say that’s a perfectly normal thing for a guy to say about a series of books aimed at teens but I’ll admit I’m playing catch-up a bit. Lionsgate is hoping their upcoming film adaptation of the Suzanne Collins bestsellers can be their version of TWILIGHT and after talking to a number of directors – including former TWILIGHT director David Slade – they’re currently in talks with an unlikely candidate to direct the film.

Gary Ross (SEABISCUIT) is in talks to direct the first installment in the trilogy, titled somewhat appropriately THE HUNGER GAMES. That they’re talking to a guy who’s an Oscar-nominee four times over shows though that Lionsgate may be taking their adaptation of a young adult sensation a little more seriously than the TWILIGHT franchise.

For those, like me, who are unaware, I’ll do my best to give you a refresher. The titular games take place in a futuristic dystopia where the government chooses one boy and one girl from each district to fight to the death in a yearly televised match. Our story follows specifically a 16-year-old girl who volunteers in place of her sickly sister and a boy, also in the games, who loves her. AWWWW.

Ross hasn’t directed a film since 2003 but Lionsgate wants to get moving quickly on this film to strike while the iron’s hot. No word if Ross’ deal would include any sequels.