‘Hunger Games’ Team Developing Multiple ‘Odyssey’ Movies for Lionsgate
Lionsgate is planning to develop at least two movies from Homer’s “The Odyssey” with “Hunger Games” director Francis Lawrence and producer Nina Jacobson attached.
CEO Jon Feltheimer made the disclosure Friday in response to a question during the company’s conference call with analysts to discuss quarterly earnings. “Our deal with Francis contemplates more than one movie,” he said.
“We have high goals for this one,” said Motion Picture Group co-chairman Rob Friedman. “We’re feeling very, very bullish.”
Lionsgate announced on April 6 that it was launching development of “The Odyssey” with Lawrence directing and Jacobson producing, but made no mention of more than one movie at that point.
Lawrence took over directing duties on the final three “Hunger Games” movies (including the upcoming “Mockingjay — Part 2”) after Gary Ross exited following the first film. Jacobson has also produced all four films through her Color Force producing banner.
Peter Craig, who co-wrote the two “Mockingjay” films, is penning the script for “The Odyssey.”
“The Odyssey” is believed to have been composed by Homer in the 8th century B.C. It centers on Odysseus and his journey home after the fall of Troy while his wife Penelope fights off suitors.
Lionsgate is heavily focused on franchises. It has seen strong performances from its “Twilight,” “Hunger Games” and “Divergent” series and announced plans Friday for a third “Now You See Me” film.
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