Lionsgate is developing a movie version of Homer’s “The Odyssey” with “Hunger Games” director Francis Lawrence and producer Nina Jacobson attached.
Lawrence took over directing duties on Lionsgate’s “Hunger Games” franchise (including the upcoming “Mockingjay — Part 2″) after Gary Ross exited following the first film, and Jacobson has 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.
Lawrence’s directing credits include “Water for Elephants,” “I Am Legend” and “Constantine.” Jacobson produced the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” movies.
Motion Picture Group co-president Erik Feig is overseeing “The Odyssey” with Jim Miller and James Myers. Lawrence is represented by CAA and 3 Arts. Craig is repped by CAA and Management 360.
Warner Bros. has been developing “Odysseus” since last summer with Russian filmmaker Fedor Bondarchuk directing from Jeremy Doner’s script. Producers are Hollywood Gang’s Gianni Nunnari, Bernie Goldmann and Shannon Gaulding, alongside Bondarchuk’s partners Michael Schlicht and Paul Heth.
The news about the Lionsgate project was first reported by Deadline.com.