Lionsgate dates 'Hunger Games' sequel

Lionsgate's first 'Hunger Games' pic bows March 23, 2012. Lionsgate has dated the second installment in "The Hunger Games" saga, "Catching Fire," for a Nov. 22, 2013, release.Sequel is timed to catch increased Thanksgiving moviegoing, then play through the holiday period.The franchise originator, starring Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth, kick-starts the series next year on March 23. Gary Ross helmed "Hunger Games" from a script he co-wrote with author Suzanne Collins, based on her popular teen-lit series.As it stands, "Catching Fire" has the Thanksgiving 2013 date to itself, though expect to see at least one other wide release -- likely a family-targeted counterprogrammer -- added to the weekend. In fact, Disney has dated an untitled Pixar toon to bow the following week on Wednesday, Nov. 27.Lionsgate looks to repeat similar success that Summit had with "The Twilight Saga" franchise -- both "Breaking Dawn" installments bow around Thanksgiving weekend starting Nov. 16."The magical thing about the 'Hunger Games' trilogy is that the books have such a vastly broad appeal," said Joe Drake, co-COO of Lionsgate and president of its Motion Picture Group. "The stories truly offer something for everyone, and the period around the Thanksgiving weekend is such an opportunity for families and friends to make an event of going to the movies.""The Hunger Games" is directed by Gary Ross and produced by Nina Jacobson's Color Force in tandem with producer Jon Kilik. Contact Dave McNary at dave.mcnary@variety.com