Who Should Direct the Hunger Games Sequel?
Because despite all indications otherwise, Gary Ross has reportedly walked away from Lionsgate's blockbuster sequel Catching Fire. Let's come up with plan B!
Via The Playlist:
Though recent trade reports have spun the story as being an issue mostly about money, that's pretty much a small part of the motivation. Ross has never been a filmmaker that repeats himself (going from satire in Pleasantville to horse racing drama in Seabiscuit and action in Hunger Games) and we're told the burning desire simply isn't there to spend another couple of years with Katniss in the Capitol (evidently, he also liked the first book best). And while the lowball salary offer probably didn't help, Ross already has a fairly lucrative career as a screenwriter (and rewriter) and money isn't really the issue. Simply put, the filmmaker is looking to change things up for this next effort.
Mazel tov, Gary Ross. But damn this creative vacuum. Who to call on as his replacement? What's that guy who made Safe House up to next? My money's on him. Or Paul Greengrass. The shakier the camera, the better.
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Comments
Following the ouster from the Oscar ceremony I'm sure that (ahem) a certain Mr. Ratner may be a willing auteur.
I like the idea of a lady director, but aside from Patty Jenkins/Kathryn Bigelow I haven't heard any other great choices. And I would think Bigelow is busy with her other more important, more Bigelowian movies...
Give it to David Slade. He did a great job with turning Twilight around.
Oops, did I just admit to having watched those...
Can't believe I'm going to admit to seeing that film too, but I thought Slade did a good job considering the shitty source material and Taylor Lautner. While in a perfect world I would love Tarantino, I think David Slade or Patty Jenkins would be interesting choices.
How about somebody who knows how to put a camera in a stationary position? Ross did a perfectly fine job, but those scenes in District 12 were some of the most unwatchable in movie history! And to say he liked the first book best? Very questionable taste right there.
Is Fincher glued to the Girl sequels? I'd like Peeta to be more like the gameplayer he was in the books and not just a lovesick puppydog.
Soderbergh... well, it's below him, but still.
Isn't Brian DePalma still alive? What about him?
Brad Bird!!!
How about ABR?
Anyone But Ross.
I can't believe I'm saying this, but I would actually take Ratner over Ross. At least that guy delivers well acted, well shot, decently scripted professional Hollywood fare. It may not be the most original stuff, but he does understand basic storytelling. Something I'm not sure of with Ross.