With the clock ticking, Lionsgate needs to move fast in developing “Catching Fire,†the follow-up sequel to “The Hunger Games.â€
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Lionsgate may sign writer Michael Arndt to rewrite the initial draft from Simon Beaufoy (“Slumdog Millionaireâ€). Arndt won an Oscar for his script for “Little Miss Sunshine,†and wrote “Toy Story 3.â€
“Catching Fire†is based on the best-selling novel by Suzanne Collins.
Lionsgate already signed director Francis Lawrence officially to replace “The Hunger Games†director Gary Ross. The sequel is scheduled to begin principal photography later this summer, and must be finished by the end of this year due to actress Jennifer Lawrence’s prior commitment to Twentieth Century Fox’s “X-Men: First Class†sequel.
“The Hunger Games†has garnered over $600 million in worldwide theater box office sales this year.