Will the second novel be the one that is split into two films?
With The Hunger Games coming up in less than two months now, the hype has definitely carried forward, and many are excited for the film’s opening weekend. Being a basically guaranteed hit, we know the trilogy of books will be turned into four films. But, will Catching Fire be the novel that is split into two? And, what does Gary Ross have to say about the sequel so far?
Ross spoke with EW (via Collider) today, voicing his opinion that he believes Jennifer Lawrence should be nominated for an Oscar next year. But, as for the sequel Catching Fire, the returning director says, “I love the title Catching Fire because from the moment Katniss was willing to eat the berries, the moment she was willing to give her life for something larger than herself, she set off a chain reaction that was at once bigger than her and also because of her. That’s a very exciting movie to make because you’re seeing the emergence of a leader. It’s the birth of a revolution so it has context that’s larger than just the Games themselves.”
While the second novel contains a whole other Hunger Games, it seems very much like Ross is noticing how large the scope of the second film. With the script being worked on right now, and production not scheduled to begin until the fall (Lawrence says possibly in Hawaii, as well), there’s a chance that during the writing, the film could morph into a two part process. It makes the most sense too, as most fans complained that Catching Fire should be split into two films instead of Mockingjay, as the second novel has the most substance compared to its trilogy-finale.
Lawrence has said that besides the possible Hawaii shooting location, she goes back into training for the sequel in July before production begins. Lawrence underwent the same training for the first film, learning archery, rock and tree climbing, yoga, combat, and more to get in very fit shape for her role as Katniss.
Of course, before all of this happens, we need to see just how the first film do before anything.
Catching Fire is scheduled theaters on November 22nd 2013, but The Hunger Games hits theaters on March 23rd.
