Francis Lawrence is set to direct the Hunger Games sequel.

Studio Lionsgate have been searching for someone to helm the follow-up to the first instalment of the franchise after it was revealed Gary Ross would not be returning. So now they have made an offer to Lawrence to direct Catching Fire and are waiting for him to sign the deal.

Lawrence - who has previously directed I Am Legend and Water for Elephants - was up against Bennett Miller for the role but it is thought he was always the favorite because he had a clearer schedule, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Up until recently Ross was set to return to the franchise and revealed he was to make the next film in the three part series written by Suzanne Collins.