Even though ‘The Hunger Games’ doesn’t arrive in theaters until March 23^rd of this year, given how it is on most people’s anticipated releases of this year (including mine!) it should come as no surprise that the second book in the series, ‘Catching Fire,’ already has a set release date of November 22^nd, 2013. While most of the cast is obviously contracted to return (I wont reveal who returns though, no spoilers here!), it was unknown who would step into the directing and writing chairs. Well the secret is out!

Lionsgate has officially signed on Gary Ross to return for the sequel, I guess they were happy with his work on the first one huh? The screenplay for the first was a collaborative effort by Gary Ross, book author Suzanne Collins, and Billy Ray; but this time around Lionsgate was shopping for a certain Oscar-winning screenwriter, and it looks like they got him! ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ scribe Simon Beaufoy has officially signed on!

I have to say I am thrilled with both of these choices. I love when sequels hold on to the same director, this is a series after all and it is important that they keep the same tone throughout. As far as Simon Beaufoy, I absolutely loved ‘Slumdog’ so I am sure I will once again be happy with his work.

You can see ‘The Hunger Games’ in theaters March 23^r 2012, and its sequel, ‘Catching Fire,’ in theaters November 22^nd, 2013.

Are you happy with Ross returning and the hiring of Beaufoy?