'Catching Fire' Gets Its Director!

The sequel to “The Hunger Games” finally has its director! While the cast has slowly been shuffling in for the hotly anticipated “Catching Fire,” Lionsgate has been without a director lined up for their flick since Gary Ross of the first movie cited irreconcilable differences with the studio and hit the bricks.

So who is the new man on the job? It’s Francis Lawrence, who is best known for directing the nail-biters “I Am Legend” and “Constantine,” as well as another great novel adapted to screen, “Water for Elephants.”

Lawrence has a lot of pressure on him for this one. The first “Hunger Games” has banked $374.3 million domestically.

No one seems too concerned about his ability to bring in the bucks on this one. Lionsgate representatives released this statement:

“Lionsgate, the cast, and filmmakers are all thrilled to have Francis Lawrence come on board as director of 'Catching Fire,'” Lionsgate’s president of production. Suzanne’s brilliant book is the intense story of the birth of the rebellion and Katniss’ emotionally charged journey as she takes on the mantle of the Mockingjay, and we all think Francis is the perfect director to bring the story to life.”

Lawrence says, “It is truly an honor and a privilege to bring 'Catching Fire,' the second chapter of Suzanne’s beloved trilogy, to the big screen. I fell in love with the characters, the themes and the world she created and this chapter opens all of these elements up in such a thrilling, emotional and surprising way. I can’t wait to dive right into it and bring this chapter to life along with the truly superb cast and filmmakers involved.”

Will Lawrence be able to bring fans in? Probably. Honestly, with a fan base this solid, it would take a lot to turn movie-goers away from the sequel.

Does hiring a new director affect your desire to see the movie?