After contending with the likes of Sam Mendes and David Slade for the job, Gary Ross (“Seabiscuit,” “Pleasantville”) has reportedly won the race and is in early talks to helm the first installment of the ‘Hunger Games’ trilogy, based on the sci-fi novels by Suzanne Collins.
The project already has a script by writer Billy Ray and is set to being production next year as a collaboration between Nina Jacobson and Lionsgate, who are hoping this series adaptation can do for it what ‘Twilight’ did for Summit, who have grown infinitely from the financial successes of said vampire series.
‘Hunger Games’ is set in the near future and follows the story of 16 year old heroine Katniss Everdeen who takes the place of her sister, who has been enlisted for a national televised blood sport, which sees 12 newly formed states of North America each supply two teenagers. So, a modern twist on cult classic “Battle Royale”? Book sales are huge, with the latest installment, “Mockingjay,” moving over 450,000 units since it hit stores on August 24th.
No word yet on involvement of any acting talent, though Chloe Moretz — despite being three years too young — has persistently been earmarked as a favorite for the role of Katniss, hot off her performance as Hit-Girl in Matthew Vaughn’s “Kick-Ass.”