Danny Strong to write two-part 'The Hunger Games' finale 'Mockingjay'

Up until now, the closest Danny Strong has come to being a part of a franchise was his semi-important role as Jonathan through seven seasons of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Suffice it to say he's come a long way since then, penning the scripts for the HBO political films, Game Change and Recount, along with co-writing The Butler with Lee Daniels. Assuming it gets off the ground he'll adapt Dan Brown's The Lost Symbol, but far more certain is his new franchise gig, writing the script for Mockingjay, the two-part finale for The Hunger Games.

Strong is at the top of his game right now, having just won an Emmy for Game Change. Simon Beaufoy(Slumdog Millionaire) wrote both The Hunger Games and the upcoming Catching Fire, and Lionsgate clearly is aiming for the best talent they can find behind the camera. It still remains to be seen who will actually direct the film, as it's not certain if Francis Lawrence will come back. I'm curious to see how he divides up the last book, which is pretty straight forward and certainly not given to being a two-parter.

We'll keep the plot details under wraps until after Catching Fire hits on November 22nd 2013. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay opens on November 21st 2014, followed up by Part 2 a year later on November 20th. [Variety]