Just over a week ago, we told you that Lionsgate was about to decide who will direct the adaptation of the first novel in Suzanne Collins‘ best selling trilogy, Hunger Games. Directors David Slade (30 Days of Night), Sam Mendes (American Beauty), and Gary Ross (Pleasantville, The Crusaders) had reportedly all been in contention to helm the film.

Now, Deadline reports that Gary Ross (Seabiscuit) has entered into early talks to direct the film, and is the studio’s top choice to direct the script, written by Billy Ray (Flightplan, Westworld).

About The Hunger Games:

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capital surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capital is harsh and cruel and keeps the other districts in line by forcing them to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight-to-the death on live TV. One boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and sixteen are selected by lottery to play. The winner brings riches and favor to his or her district. But that is nothing compared to what the Capital wins: one more year of fearful compliance with its rules. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she is forced to represent her impoverished district in the Games. But Katniss has been close to death before—and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love. Acclaimed writer Suzanne Collins delivers equal parts suspense and philosophy, adventure and romance, in this stunning novel set in a future with unsettling parallels to our present.

Hunger Games is slated to hit theaters in 2011.