'I AM LEGEND' HELMER FRANCIS LAWRENCE SCORES 'CATCHING FIRE' DIRECTING GIG

I guess we should all breathe a sigh of relief really that director David Cronenberg ('The Fly', 'Videodrome') has been bypassed for the 'Catching Fire' project. The anticipated sequel to this years epic adaption 'The Hunger Games' has been attached to several filmmakers over the past few weeks but 'I Am Legend's Francis Lawrence has been selected as Gary Ross' successor for next November's follow-up. Along with Cronenberg directors Alfonso Cuaron ('Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban'), Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu ('Babel') and Bennett Miller ('Moneyball') were also being considered for the helmers position. 'Catching Fire' is based on the novelised sequel by author Suzanne Collins and is expected for a November 2013 release. Check out what Lawrence had to say on the matter below.

"It is truly an honor and a privilege to bring Catching Fire, the second chapter of Suzanne's beloved trilogy, to the big screen." says Lawrence. "I fell in love with the characters, the themes and the world she created and this chapter opens all of these elements up in such a thrilling, emotional and surprising way. I can't wait to dive right into it and bring this chapter to life along with the truly superb cast and filmmakers involved."

Francis Lawrence Catches Fire