This news is a few days old now, but for those who have not yet heard, a director has been chosen to fill in the space vacated by The Hunger Games helmer Gary Ross for the upcoming sequel, Catching Fire.

Stepping in for the blockbuster sequel, currently set for release on November 22, 2013, will be Francis Lawrence. Lawrence, who has directed such titles as I Am Legend, Water For Elephants, and Constantine, appears to have been chosen only because he was one of the few whose schedule was clear…something that may not bode well for the constantly growing fanbase.

Ross was obviously the primary choice but he was planning on taking his time and really making sure the sequel would be equal to or better than the original, while Lionsgate had other plans, looking to jump right into the sequel and cash in on the explosive success they’re experiencing with The Hunger Games. But as we all know, rushing very rarely ever leads you to the hidden treasure. Perhaps Lionsgate is so confident in the Suzanne Collins books the movies are based on and their existing fanbase that they feel they can put anyone behind the camera and everything will work in the end.

Other names the studio was looking at includes fast-rising Duncan Jones (Moon, Source Code), Alejandro Gonzalez Innaritu (Amores Perros, 21 Grams), Cary Fukunaga (Sin Nombre, Jane Eyre), Tomas Alfredson (Let the Right One In, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy), and Bennett Miller (Moneyball, Capote).

What do you think of the director chosen for Catching Fire? Who would you rather see chosen if not Lawrence?

[Source: Heat Vision]