Lionsgate Moves Forward with Film Adaptation of Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games — the film adaptation of the first novel in the young adult trilogy by Suzanne Collins — is still a couple of months away from being in theaters, but Lionsgate is moving forward with plans to film the second book, Catching Fire. (Lionsgate acquired Summit Entertainment this past week, which produced The Hunger Games.)

Simon Beaufoy (Slumdog Millionaire, 127 Hours) is writing the script, which is expected to be directed by Gary Ross, who also directed The Hunger Games and co-wrote its screenplay with Collins.

*** SPOILER ALERT ***

If you haven't read the books in the series and don't want to know anything about how The Hunger Games ends, stop reading here!

The principals in the cast — notably Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, and Liam Hemsworth — are also expected to reprise their roles.

In the book, against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge.

Catching Fire already has a release date: November 22nd, 2013.The Hunger Games opens March 23rd, 2012.

(Related article: The Wrap.)