HUNGER GAME'S Sequel to be Rewritten by Academy Award Winner Michael Arndt

The Hunger Games has quickly taken the world by storm, grossing $600 million worldwide. Of course, a sequel is already on the way and the production is quickly falling into place. After refusing to return to direct (under pressure of Jennifer Lawrence's scheduled commitment to an X-Men: First Class sequel), Gary Ross will be replaced by I Am Legend director Francis Lawrence. The cast is set to return, but the script may need some help. An initial draft was written by Simon Beaufoy (127 Hours, Slumdog Millionaire) but Lawrence demanded a rewrite and Lionsgate has selected Academy Award-winning screenwriter Michael Arndt.

Arndt, who used to be a professional script reader for studios, began his screenwriting career with Little Miss Sunshine, which went on to be an awards darling and won him the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. Pixar then hired him to write Toy Story 3. Initially, fans were mixed at the news feeling that Little Miss Sunshine's humor was much too mature for a Toy Story audience. However, once the film was released, all was forgiven and the film was declared another Pixar masterpiece. Arndt has lately been continuing work with Disney, writing the big-screen adaptation of Disney Channel's hit cartoon series Phineas and Ferb and an international 19th century action film, Order of the Seven (set to star Saoirse Ronan). Last week, I finally got around to seeing The Hunger Games. I enjoyed it for the most part, though I'm not as BLOWN AWAY by as it as die-hard fans are. Still, Arndt has given us quality films and his involvement gives some hope. I still wanna see his Phineas and Ferb movie. Are you to catch fire with Michael Arndt?