‘Hunger Games’ Director Circles ‘Red Sparrow’ Project

If the title Red Sparrow seems familiar to you, that’s because directors like David Fincher and Darren Aronofsky were previously interested in directing the film, which should give you an indication of the project’s tone. The latest name drawn to the film is Francis Lawrence, director of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire and Mockingjay.

Deadline reports that Lawrence is currently eyeing Red Sparrow, based on the spy thriller novel by Jason Matthews. Eric Warren Singer (American Hustle) wrote the screenplay, which centers on a young intelligence officer working in post-Soviet Russia, who finds herself pitted against a top CIA intelligence officer. The two ultimately fall for one another, putting their careers and their respective countries at risk.

Aronofsky was in talks to direct back in 2013, followed by Fincher, who was considering reuniting with Girl With the Dragon Tattoo star Rooney Mara on the project. Those are two great, great names, and should prove that this isn’t your average espionage thriller.

With The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 hitting theaters this November, Lawrence’s name has been loosely attached to a couple of projects: there’s The Dive, which is being produced by James Cameron and has Hunger Games star Jennifer Lawrence attached, and then there’s Lionsgate’s adaptation of Homer’s The Odyssey, which the studio is hoping will launch a new franchise.

Lawrence definitely has his pick of projects, but of the three above, Red Sparrow sounds the most intriguing given the names it’s attracted.