X-MEN: FIRST CLASS Sequel to Shoot in January to Avoid Scheduling Conflicts for Jennifer Lawrence

Who would win in a fight between Mystique from X-Men: First Class and Katniss from The Hunger Games?  The answer: Jennifer Lawrence.  While 20th Century Fox and Lionsgate studios were busy scheduling the shoots for their respective mega-franchise sequels, they got in a bit of a tussle over Lawrence’s availability. I’m sure the bankable young lady loves to have movie studios fighting over her, but luckily the conflict has been resolved. The Hunger Games sequel, Catching Fire, will shoot with Lawrence this fall; after that, she will film the sequel to X-Men: First Class the following January. Hit the jump for much more on both projects.

Heat Vision reports that, although the studios have managed to get along this time around, if another Hunger Games project interferes with a 20th Century Fox film which involves Lawrence, Fox can exercise the option on the young star’s contract.  Let’s hope that doesn’t happen as both of the franchises are off to a great start and I, for one, welcome every opportunity to view Lawrence on the big screen. While it’s obvious that Lawrence will return as Katniss for Catching Fire, director Gary Ross’ job is not quite as secure.  Although the first film was a big hit and will continue to rake in the cash until another movie knocks it out, we will have to wait and see whether or not Ross will return.

In related news, Matthew Vaughn, the director of X-Men: First Class, doesn’t share Ross’ worries as Vaughn will be returning to helm his own sequel.  Written by Simon Kinberg (Sherlock Holmes), the sequel may pick up with the assassination of JFK, according to an interview with Vaughn last year.  If you’re not caught up on either of these projects, be sure to check out all of our continuing coverage on The Hunger Games as well as X-Men: First Class. Also, look for Lawrence in the horror/thriller, House at the End of the Street, which opens September 21st.