Lionsgate is about to decide who will direct Hunger Games, an adaptation of the first novel in Suzanne Collins' best selling trilogy.

Hunger Games Considering Sam Mendes, David Slade and Gary Ross
September 3rd, 2010


Lionsgate is about to decide who will direct Hunger Games, an adaptation of the first novel in Suzanne Collins' best selling trilogy. Sam Mendes, David Slade and Gary Ross are all front runners for the job.

Deadline New York reports that the script, which was rewritten by Billy Ray, is being kept under tight wraps, and that it isn't even allowed outside of Lionsgate's headquarters. The storyline is set in a dystopia version of America, with an evil totalitarian government presiding over 12 districts that make up the entire country. The main character is Katniss Everdeen, a 16-year-old from the Appalachian Mountains who competes against other teens as a gladiator in a reality competition where they must fight to the death. The casting search for Katniss Everdeen is expected to be as intense as the one Sony recently held for The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, which found Rooney Mara winning the coveted role of Lisbeth Salander.

Mockingjay, the latest in Suzanne Collins' trilogy of books, has already sold 450,000 copies since its August 24 release.

It wasn't said when Lionsgate is aiming to get Hunger Games started, but we'll be sure to keep you posted as new information becomes available.

Hunger Games comes to theaters in 2011.