Gary Ross to direct 'Hunger Games'?

Gary Ross is reportedly in talks to direct the on-screen adaptation of the first instalment in Suzanne Collins's Hunger Games trilogy.

According to Deadline, the Pleasantville director is in the early stages of discussion with execs after beating out rumoured candidates Sam Mendes, David Slade, Andrew Adamson, Rupert Sanders and Susanna White.

The project - adapted for the screen by Billy Ray - is a production helmed by Lionsgate and Colour Force's Nina Jacobson.

Filming on The Hunger Games is scheduled to begin in 2011.