Gary Ross in Talks to Direct THE HUNGER GAMES

A couple weeks ago, we reported that director Gary Ross (Seabiscuit) was on the shortlist to direct an adaptation of the popular young adult novel The Hunger Games.  Today, Deadline reports that Ross is in early talks to helm what Lionsgate hopes will be the next Twilight due to its demographic appeal.  As we previously reported, Ross is planning to direct a biopic of Robert F. Kennedy with Matt Damon attached to star.  However, due to Damon’s busy schedule, it’s possible that Ross will helm Hunger Games in the interim.

Suzanne Collins’ trilogy 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.”  The Hunger Games is the first book in the trilogy and it’s followed by Catching Fire, and the recently-released Mockingjay.  Hit the jump for the official plot synopsis for The Hunger Games.

Here’s the official book description of The Hunger Games [via Amazon]:

Katniss is a 16-year-old girl living with her mother and younger sister in the poorest district of Panem, the remains of what used be the United States. Long ago the districts waged war on the Capitol and were defeated. As part of the surrender terms, each district agreed to send one boy and one girl to appear in an annual televised event called, “The Hunger Games.” The terrain, rules, and level of audience participation may change but one thing is constant: kill or be killed. When Kat’s sister is chosen by lottery, Kat steps up to go in her place.

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