Gary Ross

Jennifer Lawrence and Director Gary Ross Talk HUNGER GAMES Sequel CATCHING FIRE; Film May Shoot in Hawaii

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: January 30th, 2012 at 1:38 pm

The release of The Hunger Games is still a couple of months away, but star Jennifer Lawrence and director Gary Ross are already looking ahead to the second installment, Catching Fire. Based on the bestselling book series, the story takes place in a dystopian future where Lawrence stars as Katniss, a young woman who must survive a televised fight to the death between her and teenagers from the other districts of Panem. Anticipation for The Hunger Games is at a fever pitch, and Lionsgate is already moving quickly on the film adaptation of the sequel.

Lawrence and Ross recently spoke a bit about the follow-up, revealing that training starts in July and they may be filming quite a bit of Catching Fire in Hawaii. Hit the jump for more. Beware, spoilers for Catching Fire (and therefore The Hunger Games) follow after the jump.

THE HUNGER GAMES Fashion Blog Reveals New Character Looks

by Dave Trumbore    Posted: January 23rd, 2012 at 8:20 pm

As fans of The Hunger Games novels know, fashion plays a huge part in not only the plot, but also in the appearance of various citizens and contestants in the games. Fashion is a central and essential facet of everyday life for the citizens of District 1 and the folks at Lionsgate want to make sure your wardrobe is up to par. On “Capitol Couture,” a new blog released by The Capitol (ie Lionsgate marketing), news from both the real and fictional worlds of fashion merge. There are posts about shoes from designer Alexander McQueen next to advertisements for The Hunger Games-inspired nail polish by China Glaze. A central figure for this blog is Effie Trinket, played by Elizabeth Banks. Whether you’re a fashionista or not, you’re going to want to hit the jump to check out the look of The Hunger Games.

Final Poster for THE HUNGER GAMES

by Dave Trumbore    Posted: January 19th, 2012 at 8:20 pm

We’re about nine weeks away from the much-hyped release of The Hunger Games. If you’ve somehow managed to go this long without hearing about the film adaptation of the popular young adult novel series by Suzanne Collins, you can get caught up on all of our previous coverage here. After all the trailers, images and promotional pages, Lionsgate has released one last poster to remind you that the world will be watching. As one of our most anticipated films of early 2012, we’ll be right there with you.

The Hunger Games stars Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen in a futuristic thriller where citizens of different districts are forced into gladiatorial combat in which there can be only one survivor. The film, directed by Gary Ross, also stars Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Elizabeth Banks, Woody Harrelson and Lenny Kravitz and will open on March 23^rd. Hit the jump to check out the poster.

Simon Beaufoy Already Writing HUNGER GAMES Sequel CATCHING FIRE; Director Gary Ross Confirmed to Return

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: January 17th, 2012 at 2:44 pm

While we reported back in November that Lionsgate was eyeing Oscar-winning screenwriter Simon Beaufoy (Slumdog Millionaire) to pen the Hunger Games sequel Catching Fire, the news has now been confirmed. Moreover, The Wrap reports that Beaufoy is already hard at work on adapting the second book in Suzanne Collins’ bestselling trilogy. Director Gary Ross, who is busy finishing up post-production on The Hunger Games, is also confirmed to return for the second go-around of teenager murdering.

Ross and Collins previously wrote the script for The Hunger Games (with some help from Billy Ray) but since Ross is busy finishing up the first film, Lionsgate has gotten a jump on the scripting process in order to line up Catching Fire for a late 2012 or so shoot. Catching Fire is my favorite of the three books, and it’s also the most cinematic. I’m incredibly excited to see how Ross and Beaufoy handle the big set pieces of the story, as it’s packed with some potentially fantastic visuals. Hit the jump to read a synopsis of Catching Fire (which, obviously, contains spoilers for The Hunger Games). The Hunger Games opens March 23rd and Catching Fire is set for a November 22nd, 2013 release.

More Images and Set Photos from THE HUNGER GAMES

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: January 3rd, 2012 at 10:35 am

Lionsgate has released four new images from The Hunger Games along with two set photos and two hi-res versions of previously released images.  Most of the new images were quickly glimpsed in the trailer but now you can view them all big and shiny.

Hit the jump to check out the images.  The film stars Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Lenny Kravitz, Elizabeth Banks, and Donald Sutherland.  The Hunger Games opens March 23rd.

TOP 5: SHERLOCK HOLMES Set Visit Coverage, BREAKING DAWN, MIRROR MIRROR Trailer, THE HUNGER GAMES Trailer, Wizarding World of Harry Potter Coverage

by Jason Barr    Posted: November 19th, 2011 at 11:48 am

As I write today, in the back of mind rests more than a handful of permutations for my Black Friday plan of attack. Do I really need a new 42 inch HDTV? How about various seasons of television on DVD/Blu-ray for rock bottom prices? What about one of those sweet Dyson vacuum cleaners with the roller ball? The answer to all of the above is most likely a resounding “no”, but need isn’t what Black Friday is all about. Not even close. Black Friday is all about getting something/anything on the cheap if for no other reason than because if you don’t, then the person behind you in line will. Oh, America. How I love thee.

In this week’s “Top 5″ installment you’ll find our set visit coverage for Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, our review and interviews for a little movie you may have heard about called The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1, the first trailer for director Tarsem Singh’s Snow White-tale Mirror Mirror, a new trailer for Gary Ross’ The Hunger Games adaptation, and Steve’s coverage from his visit to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando. Hit the jump for a brief recap and link to each.

Lionsgate Eyes Simon Beaufoy to Pen HUNGER GAMES Sequel CATCHING FIRE; Gary Ross Expected to Return

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: November 16th, 2011 at 1:57 pm

The first real trailer for director Gary Ross’ adaptation of The Hunger Games was unveiled this past Monday, and as an avid fan of the books I was wholeheartedly pleased. Lionsgate appears to be happy with the footage as well, as they’re moving right along with the sequel Catching Fire. A release date for the follow-up (November 2013) was announced this past August, and now the studio is getting to work on the script. Lionsgate is courting Simon Beaufoy (Slumdog Millionaire) to pen the script, and Ross is expected to return to the director’s chair as well. Hit the jump for more details.

New Trailer for THE HUNGER GAMES

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: November 14th, 2011 at 7:32 am

Lionsgate has released a new trailer for The Hunger Games.  For everyone who was confused on the set-up and the premise, this trailer will get you up to speed.  Unfortunately, that’s about all it will do.  While it’s clear that director Gary Ross has not shied away from the garish fashion and make-up of the Capitol’s residents (I imagine some are going to be jarred out of the experience by Elizabeth Banks looking like she’s 80 and speaking with a British accent), there’s still no hint of the violence and brutality of the books.  I can understand why they would leave that out of the trailer, but I’m absolutely baffled as to why there’s almost no footage from the actual Hunger Games.  That’s the meat and potatoes of the set pieces, and I have no idea why they wouldn’t at least throw in some quick flashes of the action scenes. My best guess is that they’re still working on the special effects and didn’t have anything 100% finished to put into the trailer (or they’re saving those scenes for the next one).

Hit the jump to check out the trailer.  The film stars Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Stanley Tucci, Lenny Kravitz, and Donald Sutherland.  The Hunger Games opens March 23, 2012.

Lionsgate Stockholders Bank on THE HUNGER GAMES to Turn a Profit; Film Must Make $100 Million to Justify Sequels

by Dave Trumbore    Posted: November 9th, 2011 at 4:06 pm

Here are some numbers for you to chew on: The Twilight Saga has so far accumulated over $2.3 billion in global box office and DVD revenue (with two more films to be released) and the eight-movie Harry Potter series has amassed over a whopping $7.7 billion in global box office revenue alone. Lionsgate Entertainment is banking on The Hunger Games four-film series potential to join that elite class and reverse the four-year downward trend that has seen a 45% drop in stock value. Regarding a franchise earnings prediction between $220 million and $733 million, analyst James Marsh had this to say:

“The Hunger Games could be the biggest catalyst for Lions Gate’s profits and share price during the next decade. It could be a game changer for them.”

The first installment of The Hunger Games comes in at a cost of $80 million (Lionsgate’s most expensive solo production ever) and stars Oscar-nominee Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen, a teenage gladiator in a dystopian future. The Hunger Games opens on March 23, 2012 and with it rests the hopes of Lionsgate Entertainment. Hit the jump for much more.

Steven Soderbergh Explains How He Ended Up Directing Second Unit on THE HUNGER GAMES

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: September 1st, 2011 at 4:26 pm

Earlier this month, we reported the surprising (and delightful) news that director Steven Soderbergh was directing some second-unit work on Gary Ross’ highly anticipated adaptation of The Hunger Games. While cool to hear, the news seemed a bit odd, as it’s not every day that you get an Academy Award-winning director to oversee your second-unit shooting. At the time, we noted that Soderbergh and Ross are good friends, so it was likely a case of one director doing a favor for another, as Ross has to get the film finished in time for a March release date and having a trustworthy friend onboard makes things go a bit smoother.

Soderbergh recently commented on his work on the film, explaining how he ended up in the position of second-unit director. In addition to recounting what brought him to the shoot, the technophile director also talked a bit about the second-unit shooting process. Hit the jump to see what he said.

Director Gary Ross Comments on THE HUNGER GAMES Teaser; Lionsgate Launches Viral Site

by Brendan Bettinger    Posted: August 29th, 2011 at 7:58 pm

You can count me among the fans of the book who were underwhelmed by the nondescript Hunger Games teaser that was released earlier today.  And, if my intuition is in tune, you can include director Gary Ross in that group, too.  Ross explains that the content of the clip was very limited by the amount of film in the can:

“Look, we’re still shooting. So unfortunately, it’s just a teaser. We could only give you a little bit because we’re still down here making the movie… There’s a lot of things to come that I think are going to be hugely epic and very emotional and incredibly powerful.”

Ross also gushes over star Jennifer Lawrence, discusses the limited presence of Gale (Liam Hemsworth) in the first book/movie, and talks about “bringing the Capitol to life.”  Hit the jump for the video commentary, plus more on the viral website that Lionsgate launched.

Steven Soderbergh is Directing Second Unit on THE HUNGER GAMES

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: August 4th, 2011 at 3:08 pm

In our WTF story of the day, Academy Award-winning director Steven Soderbergh is apparently shooting second unit work on Gary Ross’ highly anticipated adaptation of The Hunger Games. While this certainly comes a bit of a surprise, especially given that Soderbergh isn’t exactly sitting around doing nothing (he plans to shoot Magic Mike, The Man From U.N.C.L.E. and Liberace before the end of next year), the team-up isn’t necessarily as out of left field as one might think: Soderbergh and Ross have been good friends for a number of years, with Soderbergh producing Ross’ Pleasantville and Ross frequently giving feedback on Soderbergh’s scripts. Hit the jump for more on Soderbergh’s involvement.

Carey Mulligan and Gary Ross Will Travel to the OUTBACK

by Jason Barr    Posted: June 27th, 2011 at 7:35 pm

Oscar-nominees Carey Mulligan (An Education) and Gary Ross (Pleasantville) will join forces in the sci-fi action pic Outback. Per Variety, Nissar Modi (Z for Zachariah) will pen the script based upon an original idea developed by he and Ross. Tobey Maguire will co-produce Outbreak alongside Ross. Graham King and Tim Headington will also co-produce under King’s GK Films moniker. Details regarding the film are close to the vest at this point with the report only divulging that it will be set in the Australian outback.

Mulligan is filming director Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby this summer with Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, and Isla Fisher. She can next be seen alongside Ryan Gosling in Nicolas Winding Refn’s Drive which is slated to hit theaters on September 16th. As for Ross, the director is currently filming The Hunger Games for Lionsgate.

Adaptable: THE HUNGER GAMES

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: June 15th, 2011 at 8:30 am

The process of adaptation is a difficult one.  Yes, the story framework is in place and there’s usually a built-in fanbase as well, but screenwriters must wrestle with what they can include, what they can excise, and what they can change.  A popular adaptation can’t alienate the fans but it also can’t exclude those unfamiliar with the source material.

Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games is the first in a trilogy of young adult novels.  Lionsgate hopes they have the next Twilight on their hands even though the plots of the two books couldn’t be more different.  I’ll break down what works in the book, what will succeed in the movie, and where director Gary Ross will have difficulty in his adaptation.

Lenny Kravitz Cast as Cinna in THE HUNGER GAMES; Plus Photos and Video from the District 12 Set

by Brendan Bettinger    Posted: May 23rd, 2011 at 9:12 pm

About a month ago, Woody Harrelson, Stanley Tucci, and Lenny Kravitz were rumored for unspecified roles in buzzed adaptation of The Hunger Games.  Harrelson was later identified as the movie’s Haymitch, and Tucci was cast as Caesar Flickerman, leaving Kravitz untethered in Panem.  Tonight, Lionsgate announced that Kravitz will play Cinna, as many speculated.  Director Gary Ross (Seabiscuit) commented on the choice:

“When I saw Lenny’s work in PRECIOUS I was just knocked out. It was quiet and strong and understated and open hearted; all qualities which define this character.”

Quiet and strong and understated and open hearted are spot-on descriptions for Cinna, the stylist who guides Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) as the dictatorship pushes her into battle against 23 other teenagers.  Kravitz is a fine choice, though much older than I imagined for Cinna.

Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Elizabeth Banks, and Wes Bentley also star in The Hunger Games, scheduled for release on March 23, 2012.  Hit the jump for the official announcement, as well as photos and video of construction on a District 12 set.

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