Director Gary Ross, who is on board to helm the film adaptation of the hit novel The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, is still looking to cast the lead character, Katniss Everdeen, Slashfilm.com is reporting. Ross told Entertainment Weekly that he hasn’t yet spoken to any actresses about the role. He will start looking for one soon, as the film starts shooting in spring 2011.

Ross also said that Lionsgate, the studio behind the movie, isn’t pressuring him to cast a well-known actress. He’s free to cast an unknown, and also said “We’ll cast he right person for the part. Lionsgate has been great in the respect that they don’t feel that this needs a movie star in Katniss’ role.” Two actresses who are rumored to be in the running for the part are ‘True Grit’s Hailee Steinfeld, as well as Danielle Chuchran, who has stared in an Internet Hunger Games short.

The novel follows the 16-year-old self-sufficient female hero who is selected to compete in an annual televised fight organized by the government. She has to fight against another child in her district, and only one will survive to bring glory to their district.

Written by: Karen Benardello