We knew the Hunger Games movie was coming, but now it’s really official. As reported by THR, Lionsgate picked a date and the film adaptation of Suzanne’s immensely popular book will hit theaters on March 23rd, 2012. As of right now, it’s got that weekend all to itself.
442 days may seem like a ways away, but at least we’ll have the news items to hold us over. For the past few months the only big development has been the hiring of Gary Ross to direct. Other than that, we’ve merely gotten a small handful of casting rumors. However, now that the release date is locked, producer Nina Jacobson and the folks over at Lionsgate have to get moving on this one. As of right now, the plan is to begin shooting the film in late spring or summer.
As cold as it is for some of us, spring really isn’t that far away. Casting has to begin soon. We’ve known for some time that the script has been circulating the young Hollywood crowd. Most recently, Liam Hemsworth told MTV, “It’s a really, really cool story” and that he’s got his eye on the role of Peeta. Then there’s the whole Hailee Steinfeld topic and now that the True Grit star snagged an Oscar nomination, some suspect she’s got an even better shot of getting the coveted lead role of Katniss Everdeen.
There’s certainly no use in rehashing old rumors or continuing to speculate because now that the release date is set, Lionsgate really is committed and casting decisions must be made relatively soon.
By Perri Nemiroff
