The clock is ticking away until August, when the sequel to The Hunger Games is supposed to start filming, and there’s no director yet. This is pretty damned important if they don’t want the film to be a rush job.

The last major rush job by a studio was X-Men: First Class, and that only worked out because director Matthew Vaughn was good at handling tight deadlines. We know Lionsgate is eyeing Alfonso Cuaron, David Cronenberg and Alejandro Gonzales Inarritu on their shortlist. There were other names, but know one knew them until now.

The Playlist has learned that Moneyball director Bennett Miller (who also did good work on Capote) is being considered alongside I Am Legend director Francis Lawrence. Miller is a good choice, he’s good at adaptations and he’s been recognized by the Oscars for his work (he hasn’t won, but he gets his praise). Lawrence is an interesting choice. He adapted I Am Legend, but that movie was fairly weak.

I think it’s safe to say Lawrence would be a good backup choice here. He’s not terrible, but mentioned with names like Cuaron, Cronenberg, Miller and Inarritu it’s hard to imagine him high up the totem pole. One thing is for sure: Lionsgate wants both quality and box office results. [The Playlist]

bennett miller, catching fire, francis lawrence, the hunger games