Francis Lawrence excited to helm ‘Hunger Games’ prequel

FRANCIS Lawrence is ‘really excited’ to be directing the ‘Hunger Games’ prequel.

The 49-year-old filmmaker is returning to the franchise to oversee ‘The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’ and admits he was thrilled when author Suzanne Collins told him that she was crafting a new story. In an interview with Discussing Film, Francis said: “When I heard that she was writing a book, I got really excited.

“She called me before it was released and filled me in a little bit about what it was about, but she didn’t want to spoil anything so that I would enjoy the read.

“I loved the story, I love what it’s about, and I love how relevant it is. She’s always really good at that. She’s a really fun writer in terms of twists and page turn-ability of her books, so that was great. The characters are awesome and it’s really exciting to dive back into a different, earlier version of the world and for the most part a bunch of new characters. So yeah, really exciting and the script is progressing really well!”

Francis revealed he’s always been keen to return to ‘ The Hunger Games’ after directing three of the original films, which starred Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson.

He explained: “I had a great time doing three out of the four movies. I love Suzanne Collins and I love the world. I’ve really always loved the thematic relevance and ideas behind the books and stories.

“I think that’s part of why we got such a great cast and I think that’s also why it’s resonated with so many people and not just teenagers, but also adults. I was always eager to get back into the world, but I just wanted to make sure that it came from an organic place and for me, that’s always from Suzanne, as opposed to a studio sort of urging everybody to come up with a sequel or prequel.”