It was a little surprising for me to hear this week that Lionsgate and Hunger Games director Gary Ross had parted ways due to Ross's demands for higher pay and his want to do other projects. One of these makes sense, the other doesn't. What makes sense is that he wants to pursue other projects. Depending on whether or not the Games series ends up pulling a Harry Potter and Twilight by splitting up a final installment, to direct all of the films could be a three to four year commitment. Plus, since Ross has only made three films (Pleasantville, Seabiscuit, and Hunger Games), the last of which did pretty spectacular financially, he is pretty bankable at this point to pursue any passion projects he might have. In interviews, Ross always seemed to love the story and the time he spent making it, so one would think he would want to stay on.
Then comes the real factor: money. His paycheck reportedly was 3 million, not bad in and of itself really, plus 5% of the gross, which was exceedingly high. So, in all, he stands to make somewhere between 20-24 million. And he wanted more money. I get that directors of other huge franchises make much more than Ross did for this one, but come on, really? Anyway, he won't be returning, which is met with both relief by those who felt his shaky-cam and direction was the worst aspect of the film and disappointment by other who thought he made the film what is was (as he co-wrote as well). Also interesting to note is that it was reported when Woody Harrelson and Jennifer Lawrence signed on to a three picture deal, it was under the pretense they would be working with Mr. Ross.
So, with Gary Ross out and on to other (and possibly better) things for him, who can fill that director's chair. Here are three long shots and three likely contestants:
Steven Soderbergh:
It was widely and quizzically reported that during production of the Hunger Games, Soderbergh came on set to shoot some 2nd Unit direction. What that was I do not know, but one can see how his sensibilities could work for Catching Fire. His films are great with characterization and his camera work can be shaky, but flawless. Plus, Haywire recently proved he can shoot action resourcefully and Contagion proves he can deal with apocalyptic subject matter in a very real way, not to mention he has two Best Director Oscars and numerous other great films.
The downside is that he probably wants to commit to a series less than Ross does. Plus, there is that whole retirement/sabbatical thing.
Kathryn Bigelow
When you have a story about a strong and courageous female protagonist, it seems nearly necessary to have a female involved. And since Suzanne Collins won't be returning to write the sequel, instead written by, Simon Beaufoy, it seems important to have a woman behind the vision. If there is one director who can handle action and immense character study, woman or man, it is Kathryn Bigelow, of The Hurt Locker. While her Osama Bin Ladin film is anticipated, this could be good turn for her as well. She can get some box office bank ability under her belt, showing that females can not only win Best Director, but have one of the largest franchises.
The downside is that, while they are the ballsiest of the big studios, Lionsgate might not hire a female to helm their huge franchise. Also, Bigelow might not want the burden of limiting herself to PG-13.
But seriously, imagine something like this in a hunger games event:
Terrence Malick
We're dreaming here, right guys? I mean, Mr. Malick is one of the best auteurs today, and if you really want to take a left turn from Hunger Games, no one does first person narration better, which is how the books are written. Plus, to have someone capture all the districts that appear in the sequel, you need a true artist. No one is more true than Terrence Malick.
The downside is that it could be a real commitment for both Lionsgate and Malick, maybe taking several years.
The real candidates:
Debra Granik
This choice should seem like a near obvious one for Lionsgate. She is, obviously, a female filmmaker. She makes stories so steeped in emotionality it pains to watch. She is independent and could come cheaply. Oh, and she made Winter's Bone, which oddly enough gave Jennifer Lawrence her breakout and Oscar nominated role. A happy lead actor is a great lead actor. They could do some exciting, breathtaking things with this material.
The downside is that Granik deals with heavy realism, and The Hunger Games isn't exactly that. Plus, she hasn't proven her action skills either. Plus, much like Kathryn Bigelow, is a woman, which for some reason still matters to studios.
Jack Bender
A lot of you may be thinking, "I've heard this name somewhere before, but where?" Well, he is T.V. director by profession. Before you roll your eyes however, let me list some credits. Carnivale, The Sopranos, and so many episodes of Lost you can't count them all (36) all rest under Bender's filmography. Yet, with those three great shows (and tons of other TV movies, series episodes, and Child's Play 3, unfortunately), there is another which is most important: Alias. He directed numerous episodes of the sci/fi, action show with the strong female protagonist. H'm, that sounds familiar.....
The downside, he is relatively unproven in features. But hey, everyone starts somewhere, right?
Drew Goddard/Matt Reeves
While those are two distinct people, they are very similar in style. Goddard wrote Colverfield and Reeves directed it. Goddard also co-wrote and directed The Cabin in the Woods and Reeves helmed the surprising Let Me In. Goddard seems like a better fit though, as he has already worked with Lionsgate and will be able to touch up the screenplay to fit his tone and style. You really can't beat that.
The downside is ...... well, Lionsgate might just go with someone else.
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