This appears to be only our second article on the adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ HUNGER GAMES, a teen-centric sci-fi thriller dubbed a cross between BATTLE ROYALE & RUNNING MAN. Our first article on the matter came back in March of 2009, when we learned Color Force had the property in their sights. Cut some 18 months later, and what do we got for ya…a f*ckin’ director attached. Finally…
Deadline is reporting SEABISCUIT director Gary Ross is in final negotiations to helm the cinematic adaptation of HUNGER GAMES for Lionsgate. Word is Ross beat out David Slade and Sam Mendes, who also expressed interest in directing at some point.
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.
So how do ya feel about this one? Is Ross the right man for the job or would you have rather seen Mendes or Slade land the gig? If not them, then who?