'Star Trek Into Darkness:' 8 Things You May Have Missed…
Tag Archives: Francis Lawrence
Behold! A First Glimpse of Finnick in 'Catching Fire'
Finding Finnick Odair for "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" was quite a formidable task for the filmmakers because, as with most literary hunks of note, fans have incredibly high standards for representation of the fictional bf. Peep Google Images' results for Finnick fan art, and you'll see what we mean.
Director Francis Lawrence plucked Sam Claflin of "Snow White and the Huntsman" esteem for the job of portraying the impossibly charming and handsome trident-wielding fella, and from the looks of this first-glimpse at Claflin in character, it was a wise decision. Get More »
Francis Lawrence to Direct 'Hunger Games' Conclusion, 'Mockingjay' Parts 1 and 2
Getty Images
It seems Francis Lawrence is the true victor of "The Hunger Games."
The "Water for Elephants" helmer who's currently shooting the franchise's second installment, "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire," has just been tapped to remain at the head for the rest of the series. That's right, Lawrence will direct "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1" and "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2," according to The Hollywood Reporter.
This should come as somewhat of a surprise to fans, who've become accustomed to franchises based on a Y.A. book series getting a new director for each film, along with a single director handling the two-part conclusion. Such has certainly been the case for "The Twilight Saga" and "Harry Potter." Still, fans who often feel that new directors mean tonal changes that aren't always for the best should be breathing a sigh of relief — Lawrence presumably will offer a consistent voice for all three of the four "Hunger Games" films. Get More »
Our 'Hunger Games' Comic-Con Wish List
There may only be a few things officially lined up for "The Hunger Games" at this year's Comic-Con event (we can probably — hopefully! — count on a proper "Catching Fire" cast and filmmaker panel next summer), but there's still some real potential for the annual shindig-o-geekery to make us feel like we're living right there in Victor's Village.
Dig into our menu of tasty dishes we hope to see served up in San Diego this week! Get More »
Liam Hemsworth Blows Hot and Cold On 'Catching Fire' Changes
Usually when a movie make a bazillion dollars and becomes an international pop culture phenomenon, the studio tries their darndest to duplicate that success as faithfully as possible. You know, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. But Lionsgate has decided to go the opposite direction with "The Hunger Games" sequel "Catching Fire" — and now Liam Hemsworth is finally speaking out about those changes.
And let's just say he has mixed emotions. Get More »
Francis Lawrence Confirmed For 'Catching Fire,' Speaks Out to 'Hunger Games' Fans
Francis Lawrence has been 100% confirmed by "The Hunger Games" studio Lionsgate as the director taking over "Catching Fire" after Gary Ross' departure, and he's reached out to "Hunger Games" fans to request their input for preparing the film.
In a message posted on the Official "Hunger Games" Facebook Page, he wrote "Hello fellow Hunger Games fans! I just want you all to know how unbelievably excited and honored I am to be a part of Catching Fire. At the end of the day, all of the work that I put in to my movies is for you -- the fans. Make sure to post and let me know what you’re most excited to see in this adaptation as we aim to make something truly faithful and spectacular!"
Lionsgate's press release on the news indicates that the oh-so-troublesome production start date will remain the same, with shooting to begin this fall, and that the release date for "Catching Fire" stands firm at Nov. 22, 2013. Get More »
Josh Hutcherson 'Extremely Sad' Gary Ross Not Returning to 'Games'
Get More: Movie Trailers, Movies Blog
Earlier this month, Josh Hutcherson was adamant in his belief that Gary Ross was the only guy for the director job of "Catching Fire." Obviously, after a whirlwind of Ross stepping down and Francis Lawrence stepping up to the plate, we have to wonder what Peeta has to say about the swap.
"I literally don't think I've talked to someone on the phone and they've sounded more upset than he was," Hutcherson told MTV at CinemaCon. He speaks to Ross' schedule conflicts with getting the script and the cast in place in time for an August shoot date.
The Boy with the Bread also spoke to his faith in Lawrence, so we're sure the rest of the cast and fan base will surely follow suit. He's already got our vote.
Why Francis Lawrence Is a Great Choice to Direct 'Catching Fire'
We admit, Francis Lawrence's name didn’t immediately spring to mind when we were mulling over which director(s) should take over "Catching Fire" once "The Hunger Games" director Gary Ross bowed out.
Now that he's the chosen one and has been offered the gig by Lionsgate, though, we think the selection makes a whole lotta sense. Hear us out.
First of all, there are some serious time constraints to be considered with "Catching Fire." The very reason Gary Ross declined the job of helming the film, he said, was that he wouldn't have enough time to properly prepare the movie to his liking.
"Catching Fire" has to begin production this August to accommodate potential actor scheduling conflicts and to meet the Nov. 22, 2013 release date scheduled by Lionsgate. Get More »
Francis Lawrence Offered the 'Catching Fire' Director's Chair
Francis Lawrence has been officially invited to join the "Hunger Games" family.
After a fast and furious search, Lionsgate has chosen the "Water For Elephants" director as the man to call the shots on "Catching Fire," according to Heat Vision.
The studio has been searching for a director for the second installment in "The Hunger Games" series ever since Gary Ross dropped out of the running, citing the film's extremely rushed pre-production schedule as the main reason for his departure. Candidates for the "Catching Fire" directing gig have included Tomas Alfredson ("Let the Right One In," "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy"), Alejandro Gonzalez Innaritu ("Babel"), Cary Fukunaga ("Jane Eyre"), David Cronenberg ("Cosmopolis," "A Dangerous Method"), Bennett Miller ("Moneyball") and Duncan Jones ("Moon," "Source Code"). Get More »
New Directors in the Game For 'Catching Fire'
The only thing Hollywood loves that a sure-thing is, well, another sure thing. Which is why Tinseltown is all a twitter as a few more names get thrown into the hat for possible directors of "The Hunger Games" sequel, "Catching Fire."
In addition to David Cronenberg, Alfonso Cuaron and Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu (who were first mentioned as candidates last week), two more A-list contenders have been added: "Moneyball" helmer Bennet Miller and "I Am Legend" director Francis Lawrence. Get More »
Francis Lawrence Conjures Movie Magic With Houdini Biopic
We've always wanted to actually see that crazy Chinese Water Torture Cell trick.
We'll be able to see that death-defying stunt and a whole lot more once director Francis Lawrence unveils what might end up being his greatest show to date, a biography film chronicling the strange and bizarre life of Harry Houdini. Get More »








