With THE HUNGER GAMES director Gary Ross recently turning down the opportunity to return for Lionsgate’s sequel, CATCHING FIRE, the search for his replacement is already in full swing. Naturally, since they do have to get this thing in our cinemas by November 2013.

Today the first batch of candidates have been leaked courtesy of a report over at 24Frames (who it must be noted are keeping some directors to themselves), and encouragingly there’s some intriguing names in contention. (That said, they could have told us Brett Ratner is up for directing and we’d still opt for him over having Ross return.) So who’s on Lionsgate’s wishlist then? Let’s have a look see...

First up is Alfonso Cuaron, the Mexican born director responsible for the acclaimed sci-fi drama CHILDREN OF MEN. He also did a little movie called HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN, easily one of, if not the, most interestingly shot of the whole saga. The filmmaker returns to sci-fi later this year, when his George Clooney drama GRAVITY debuts in November.

Next, we have Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, who despite having yet to explore the sci-fi genre in any of his past films, has received almost universal praise for his skilful multi-stranded plotting in debut AMORES PERROS. (When he tried it again in 21 GRAMS however, and then again in BABEL, I personally began to smell a rat.) Still, his non-linear shenanigans aside, his movies are always beautifully shot, so we’d be more than happy for him to bust his genre cherry with this.

The third name makes us very happy indeed, so we can only hope the filmmaker jumps at the opportunity – step forward David Cronenberg. Obviously, there’s no need here for introductions. Much as his last few films have been great, it would be wonderful to see the legendary director return to his darker, genre roots. Even if it's for a more teenage target demographic, we're sure he can deliver. David, may the odds forever be in you favour.

We expect many more names to be bandied about over the next few weeks, but as starts go, it looks like Lionsgate are looking in the right direction.

Of the three contenders so far, who would you guys like to take the helm? Let us know in the Comments below or on Twitter @Starburst_Mag