Movie

20 Century Fox has agreed to begin filming the 'X-Men: First Class' sequel in January 2013, so that the Oscar nominee could film 'The Hunger Games' sequel for Lionsgate Films first this fall.

Apr 6, 2012

AceShowbiz - Jennifer Lawrence doesn't have to worry anymore about the potential scheduling conflicts between the sequels to "X-Men: First Class" and "The Hunger Games". The Hollywood Reporter has learned that 20th Century Fox is now planning to shoot the "X-Men" sequel in January 2013 to avoid a clash with Lionsgate Films.

Fox previously scheduled to begin shooting the Matthew Vaughn-directed movie this fall, which potentially coincides with Lionsgate's plans to film "Catching Fire". The issue sparked tensions between the two studios last February. With the new filming schedule for "X-Men 2", Lionsgate is able to move forward with an August-September start date for "Hunger Games" sequel.

Fox had cast the Oscar-nominated actress as Mystique for the "X-Men" franchise in the summer of 2010, months before Lionsgate tapped her to star as Katniss Everdeen in "Hunger Games". It was Fox that owns the rights to exercise the actress' contract if it crashes with the novel-adapted movie franchise.

Despite the good news, Lionsgate is still facing a trouble on who's going to helm "Catching Fire". As reported previously, Gary Ross has not committed to the hit movie's sequel reportedly due to salary problem. It was said that Ross would not sign up for the follow-up film unless Lionsgate gives him a raise.

"Catching Fire" has sealed Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth to reprise their roles as Katniss, Peeta and Gale respectively. The script has already been penned by Simon Beaufoy. Lionsgate has eyed a November 22, 2013 U.S. release for the movie. As for the untitled X-Men: First Class sequel, the film still hasn't set its release date.