Elizabeth Banks 'Can't Wait' To Work With 'Catching Fire' Director

'I think he's going to do great,' Banks tells MTV News of Francis Lawrence.
By Kara Warner

Elizabeth Banks
Photo: MTV News

Although "The Hunger Games" has been out in theaters for well over a month now, the $600 million behemoth is still making headlines via box-office records, a director change-up and casting speculation — not to mention the fact that the crowd-pleaser is set to make a fine showing at our 2012 MTV Movie Awards with its eight nominations.

When MTV News caught up with castmember Elizabeth Banks recently as she promoted her latest movie, "What to Expect When You're Expecting," we asked for an update on the "Catching Fire" casting rumors, as well as her thoughts on new director Francis Lawrence. More specifically, though, is there room in "Fire" for her "Expecting" husband Ben Falcone (of "Bridesmaids" fame)?

"Yes, he's Finnick," Effie Trinket herself joked. "I'm here to announce that he's replacing President Snow."

"Right," agreed Falcone. "Yes."

"You are the new president of the Capitol," she informed her co-star.

"Yes. No thanks, Donald Sutherland," Falcone joked of the actual President Snow.

Getting serious for a second, we then asked Banks what she thinks of Lawrence taking over directorial duties on the film's sequel, "Catching Fire."

"[I'm] very excited. I mean, I can't wait," Banks said. "I haven't met him, but we'll see. I think he's going to do great."

Banks' fellow "Hunger Games" co-stars Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth have also weighed in on their new director, echoing Banks' excitement.

"Francis is extremely talented, and everyone I've talked to says he's the best guy in the world," Hutcherson said. "So I think he's going to bring a lot."

Check out everything we've got on "Hunger Games: Catching Fire."

For young Hollywood news, fashion and "Twilight" updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com.

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