X-MEN FIRST CLASS sequel to give way to The Hunger Games' CATCHING FIRE

Fox and Lion; X-men and Hungry Fighters
by Reymundo Salao

The X-MEN: FIRST CLASS sequel is already a 'Go'. And not only that, it's also going to start shooting early 2013. Although it was initially been reported that shooting should begin late 2012, the sked was moved in order to give way for Jennifer Lawrence's shooting conflicts with The Hunger Games sequel "Catching Fire". X-Men: First Class 2 is expected to reach U.S. theaters by Summer 2014.

When the X-MEN: FIRST CLASS movie was concieved, it was designed to kick-off the X-men franchise with brand new fresh start. And because it became very successful critically and commercially, it was a no-brainer that its producers will instantly and immediately start working on the sequel. 'First Class' was released summer 2011, but by November 2011 there was alaready a writer assigned to the movie, and 2 months later, it was officially confirmed that Matthew Vaughn will be back to direct the sequel, and shooting will begin before the year ends.

On the other hand, THE HUNGER GAMES has lately become a huge success as well, with Jennifer Lawrence playing the lead in that movie. Its sequel entitled "Catching Fire" has its official release date set on November 22, 2013, and that shooting will begin before December 2012. Because of this, Jennifer Lawrence will have to drop off from one of the two movie franchises she's involved in.

There had been tough negotiations between 20th Century Fox (for X-Men) and Lionsgate Films (for The Hunger Games). The conclusion of these negotiations led to Fox giving way to Lionsgate; X-Men will give way to The Hunger Games; this way, Lawrence does not have to drop off from either films.

It seems fairly obvious that granting The Hunger Games current state of being ultra-popular, Lawrence would probably drop off from X-men, especially because she plays the lead in Hunger Games whereas the X-Men movie is focused on an ensemble cast. Although the X-Men is actually far more popular than the Hunger Games; it does not wish to challenge the current trend of the Hunger Games. Let's at least be glad that Jennifer Lawrence would still play both Katniss and Mystique.