With 'The Hunger Games' having earned nearly $400 million worldwide and heading into what could possibly be it's fourth straight week at the top of the box office, it's no surprise that Lionsgate is hot to move it's sequel 'Catching Fire' into production as soon as possible. However, with former helmer Gary Ross vacating the director's chair (reportedly due to scheduling conflicts and a shortened production schedule caused by lead actress Jennifer Lawrence's contractual obligations to Fox's 'X-Men: First Class' sequel), the studio is focused on finding someone to replace him and continue the franchise.

With that in mind, the studio has reportedly put together a shortlist of candidates - all very hush hush, mind you - but the few names that have been bandied about can give you an idea of what the studio is looking for. As many fans have suggested (and as we unintentionally predicted in a previous article), 'Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban' director Alfonso Cuarón has been tapped, along with other, slightly odder choices like David Cronenberg ('A Dangerous Method', 'The Fly') and Alejandro González Iñárritu ('Biutiful', '21 Grams'). In addition to working closely with the original author Suzanne Collins (who is rumored to be very hands-on with the adaptations to maintain as much of the original book's integrity as possible), the director would also have to be capable of not only working with young adult actors, but also bringing across the dystopian world of Panem, the themes of the books, and working with a special effects team.

Who do you think would be the best choice of these three? Obviously, Lionsgate could end up going with any of the other eight people on their shortlist, but my money is easily on Cuarón. He's already shown an ability to work with child actors, special effects, book adaptations, and a dark gritty future ('Prisoner of Azkaban' and 'Children of Men', respectively). He also seems like the kind of name that would seriously drive up the hype for the next installment, something that any studio worth their salt is concerned with. Cronenberg would be an interesting choice, but I would worry that his version of the film would end up being far too self-reflective and violent for the young adult audience they are aiming for. Chime in, Spillios - if it had to be one of these three, who would you choose? For extra credit - if it had to be someone other than these three, who would you pick?

Source: LA Times