In this age of back-to-back-to-back feature film adaptations of books in a series, it’s nearly impossible to keep the same director onboard throughout the franchise’s run.  Director David Yates was up to that Herculean task on the last 4 (or 3, however you count the last book) installments of the Harry Potter franchise, but that meant that he was having to prep the next film while still in production or post-production on the previous film.

The Twilight series has had a different director for each book adaptation, and now it looks like Lionsgate/Summit is planning on taking the same route with The Hunger Games, as they’re currently looking for a director to helm the final book in the series, Mockingjay.  Hit the jump for more.

Suzanne Collins‘ young adult novel The Hunger Games isn’t particularly well-written, but it’s undeniably cinematic.  Collins’ paints a strange, brutal world with a hint of social commentary wrapped in a melodramatic love story and intense action.  For the film adaptation, director Gary Ross has created an effective and memorable experience that’s deadly serious and seriously entertaining.  Rather than playing into the blockbuster elements of the novel, he takes a subdued approach where less is more and “more” is darkly and comically grotesque.  The movie remains tied to the weaker aspects of the book, especially the anti-climactic finish and lightweight social commentary, but terrific performances from the cast and Ross’ superb direction paint a potent and compelling picture.

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.

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.

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.

We have seen a few photos from the North Carolina set of The Hunger Games, but they lacked a certain human element.  Today’s collection fixes that, with photos of Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth, Willow Shields, and even Hunger Games author Suzanne Collins in costume.  These characters are residents of the destitute District 12, so the costumes are drab.  But as the action travels to the lavish Capitol, the clothes become decidedly more flamboyant.

In other Hunger Games news, Lionsgate announced on Twitter that newcomer Amber Chaney is cast as “Avox girl,” a servant whose tongue was cut out for committing crimes against the Capitol.  This Avox is assigned to Katniss (Lawrence) as she prepares for the Hunger Games.  It’s a minor role (obviously non-speaking), but Katniss and the Avox share a special connection, so the character is not unimportant.

Josh Hutcherson, Woody Harrelson, Elisabeth Banks, Stanley Tucci, Lenny Kravitz, and Wes Bentley also star in the adaptation directed by Gary Ross (Seabisciut).  The Hunger Games is scheduled for release on March 23, 2012.  Check out the set photos after the jump.

[Update: We have been asked to take down the images.]

A few days ago, actress Jennifer Lawrence (Winter’s Bone) was confirmed for the lead role in Gary Ross’ adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ best-selling book series The Hunger Games. Fans were watching closely to ensure that the right actress was chosen to play Katniss, and now Collins herself has released a statement regarding the casting of Lawrence:

As the author, I went into the casting process with a certain degree of trepidation. Believing your heroine can make the leap from the relative safety of the page to the flesh and bones reality of the screen is something of a creative act of faith. But after watching dozens of auditions by a group of very fine young actresses, I felt there was only one who truly captured the character I wrote in the book.  And I’m thrilled to say that Jennifer Lawrence has accepted the role.

Collins goes on to talk about what, specifically, she saw in Lawrence that mirrored Katniss herself. Ross and Co. will now set their sights on filling out the rest of the cast, including the male lead which has a number of young male actors vying for the role (Hunter Parrish and Alex Pettyfer have met with producers). Hit the jump to read the rest of Collins’ statement.

To say that director Gary Ross’ (Pleasantville) adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games is being followed closely by fans is a bit of an understatement. Absolutely pivotal to the success of the film adaptation is the casting of the series’ lead role of Katniss. When describing what they were looking for in actresses for the role, Ross previously stated that what makes the character attractive is her strength, assuredness, defiance “and ultimately her compassion.”

The powers that be are currently searching for the right actress, and it looks like Jennifer Lawrence (Winter’s Bone) has landed the role after a lengthy search that included Hailee Steinfeld and Abigail Breslin.  According to Variety, Lionsgate is getting ready to make Lawrence an offer next week.  Age appears to have been a deciding factor, as Ross and Lionsgate decided that casting a recognizable male lead in his 20s would be easier than trying to find a teenager to star opposite Steinfeld or Breslin.  More after the jump:

To say that director Gary Ross’ (Pleasantville) adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games is being followed closely by fans is a bit of an understatement. Absolutely pivotal to the success of the film adaptation is the casting of the series’ lead role of Katniss. When describing what they were looking for in actresses for the role, Ross previously stated that what makes the character attractive is her strength, assuredness, defiance “and ultimately her compassion.”

The powers that be are currently searching for the right actress, and now word comes that two of this year’s Academy Award nominees, Hailee Steinfeld (True Grit) and Jennifer Lawrence (Winter’s Bone) are in the running. Speaking with MTV, Steinfeld confirmed that she’s met with Ross to discuss the role. For much more, including why Lawrence may be the frontrunner, hit the jump. [Update: Variety has confirmed that Lawrence and Steinfeld are vying for the role, with Lawrence generating the most interest. They also add 14-year-old Abigail Breslin to the list of actresses being considered for the part of Katniss.]

Four-time Oscar-nominee Gary Ross’ (Pleasantville) The Hunger Games will hit theaters on March 23rd, 2012.  Lionsgate announced that it plans to roll out the film adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ best-selling novel (the first in a trilogy) on a weekend that, at present time, contains no competition for the high-profile project.  The film will most likely begin shooting later this year, either towards the end of spring or beginning of summer.

For those unfamiliar with the source material, Collins’ The Hunger Games is set in a post-apocalyptic America and follows the trials of 16-year-old protagonist Katniss Everdeen.  Per Heat Vision, Katniss “must participate in a fight-to-the-death annual event called the Hunger Games.”  While I haven’t read the book trilogy, Ross’ Pleasantville is one of my all-time favorite films and, as a result, each of his projects from here-on-out gets complimentary box-office dollars on my behalf.  For more on the project, hit the jump for a synopsis of the original novel.

Sometimes people forget the target audiences of feature films and the novels that inspired them. Suzanne Collins’ acclaimed and best selling trilogy of novels are marketed and sold toward the Young Adult demographic, but older fans have been clamoring for an R-rated adaptation. However, that all changed today when director Gary Ross made it abundantly clear that Hunger Games would not forget the children that have fueled the series. Hit the jump for the full quotes and why this is a win for fans of the books.

He was already in talks to direct the film, but Gary Ross (Pleasantville, Seabiscuit) is now confirmed as the director for the upcoming adaptation of The Hunger Games.  The novel – written by Suzanne Collins – is the first book in a trilogy which takes place in a post-apocalyptic future and centers on heroine

“Katniss Everdeen, an enterprising 16-year old from a poor territory that was once Appalachia, who becomes a teen gladiator in a reality show event that is a battle to the death against other teens from the 12 districts that make up what is left of the USA, which is run by a cruel totalitarian government.”

Variety is also now reporting that Collins will be adapting her own book for the screen, while Billy Ray (Breach) has been brought in to polish the screenplay. Lionsgate has high hopes for The Hunger Games.  The studio is hoping to create the next Twilight with the series due to its popularity and shared demographic.  You can hit the jump to read the official plot synopsis for The Hunger Games.