David Fincher's adaptation of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo opened to disappointing box office although it didn't absolutely tank.  It's an R-rated movie opening at the holiday season, but Sony expected a bigger success based on the ridiculous sales of Stieg Larsson's novel of the same name.  More worrisome for Sony is that the movie, despite being set out the US, isn't connecting with international audiences, and according to Deadline, "GWDT pened only 3rd in the UK, and disappointing in Asia, and 'not as good as hoped for' in Sweden, Denmark, and Finland."

Sony has held off on giving the greenlight to the sequels, The Girl Who Played with Fire and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest, but they've had Dragon Tattoo screenwriter Steve Zaillian at work on both.  Now the studio has officially pulled the trigger on completing the "Millennium Trilogy".  Hit the jump for more.

According to Deadline, Sony hasn't locked Fincher down to helm the sequel, but the studio is planning to start shooting Played with Fire at the end of 2012/beginning of 2013.  Dragon Tattoo may have the box office legs to warrant the decision, but even if it doesn't, there's never a moment to lose in making a new franchise.  The above-the-line talent gets busy and then scheduling difficulties stall the production.  When it comes to building a successful franchise, he who hesitates doesn't get to make more sequels.

I haven't read any of the books (nor do I intend to since I'd prefer to read books that interest me), but apparently The Girl Who Played with Fire doesn't really feature Lisbeth Salander (Rooney Mara).  That's a problem since she's the series' only hook, but Sony will make sure their adaptation keeps the psychotic hacker/rape-avenger at the fore.  But it wouldn't be crazy to assume that this time they'll probably keep her away from Christmas.