Hunger Games Sequel Catching Fire Catches a Director

Francis Lawrence has been chosen to direct the Hunger Gamessequel Catching Fire, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

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Lawrence, who directed I Am Legend and Water For Elephants, met with Lionsgate on Thursday and was reportedly selected over Moneyball's Bennett Miller.

Lawrence replaces Hunger Games director Gary Ross, who bowed out of the sequel due to scheduling. While Ross also worked on adapting the script, it's unclear if Lawrence will work with writer Simon Beaufoy on the sequel or hire a set of writers.

Hunger Games director Gary Ross will not direct Catching Fire

Catching Fire is slated for release on Nov. 22, 2013.