The Hunger Games movie has been assigned an aggressive March 23, 2012 release date by Lionsgate to take advantage of spring break audiences and thus far light competition.
The first film in a proposed trilogy based on Suzanne Collins’ three-book series will be directed by Gary Ross. He’s best known for helming Pleasantville and more recently Sea Biscuit.
Lionsgate has yet to announce a single member of the cast despite The Hunger Games release date being less then 14 months away. The role of heroine Katniss Everdeen, a 16-year old girl who participates in to-the-death televised fights against other youths, will be a huge score for whichever actress lands it. Names circulating the role in rumor mills include Chloe Moretz (Let Me In, Kick-Ass) and Hailee Steinfeld (True Grit). Many other names are certainly in Lionsgate and Ross’ hat.
Sandwiching The Hunger Games at the box office will be the big-screen adaptation of 21 Jumpstreet on March 16 and Clash of the Titans 2 on March 30. No other film currently has a March 23 release date.
Gary Ross is expected to start shooting The Hunger Games in April or May.
Source: THR
