‘Hunger Games’ Two Part Finale ‘Mockingjay’ Needs a Director

Lionsgate is not messing around when it comes to 'Hunger Games' news today. To add to the casting of Amanda Plummer and the shortlist of actors' names for the upcoming sequel 'Catching Fire,' we've got news that the studio is already looking for a director for the final installments of the franchise.

'Mockingjay' is the final book in the 'Hunger Games' trilogy by author Suzanne Collins, and Lionsgate has smartly chosen to split the final installment into two films, 'Harry Potter' and 'Twilight' style.

Gary Ross, who directed 'The Hunger Games,' notably stepped down from his post when he didn't think the studio was giving him enough lead time to prep for the sequel. Enter director Francis Lawrence ('I Am Legend'), who Lionsgate believes is the right man for the job (and we hope they're right).

But it looks like Lawrence won't be sticking around for 'Mockingjay.' According to Thompson on Hollywood, Summit's Rob Friedman, Patrick Wachsberger, along with producer Nina Jacobson and author Suzanne Collins are seeking out a new director to presumably take up duties on both 'Mockingjay' films. The film isn't set to hit theaters until November of 2014, giving these guys plenty of time to figure out who will helm the grand finale.