Hunger Games sequel Catching Fire 2013 date confirmed

The Hunger Games had the highest-grossing opening weekend ever

The release date for the second Hunger Games movie has been confirmed.

Catching Fire will open worldwide on Friday 22 November 2013.

The Hunger Games is based on a series of science-fiction books by American author Suzanne Collins.

The storyline sees 24 children sent to fight to the death at a yearly televised event in the future nation of Panem. The main character, Katniss Everdeen, played by Jennifer Lawrence becomes an unlikely heroine.

The first film, also starring Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth, broke box office records after its release earlier this year.

According to film-maker Lionsgate, Hunger Games achieved the highest-grossing opening weekend ever for any non-sequel film since it opened on 23 March 2012.

It has already made $373 million (£240m) at the North American box office, ranking in the top 20 films of all time, and it recently crossed the $600 million (£387m) mark at the worldwide box office.

Francis Lawrence, who also directed I Am Legend - a futuristic thriller which starred Will Smith - has been named as director for Catching Fire.

Lionsgate confirmed there will be a third film in the sequel but there are no filming dates as yet.