Hunger Games director: It was right to split the last book into two films
- Published
The director of the new Hunger Games movie says he thinks it was "absolutely right" to have split the final book of the trilogy into two films.
Francis Lawrence has told Newsbeat that "it was an important chapter" and that he stands by his decision.
It's after critics said it was unnecessary, external to have two films.
Mockingjay - Part 1 didn't do as well in its opening weekend at the box office compared to previous Hunger Games movies.
And with little action in that film, expectations are high for the final one - which fans will be happy to hear is action-packed.
Francis Lawrence says it was right to stick to the books and the world author Suzanne Collins had created.
"Absolutely I think it was right," he said. "The last chapter was tonally risky because it was a very different movie than the others.
"I always knew going in, when you're going to have a character sideline and you're going to become much more political, there's not going to be an arena and games and the fun of The Capitol.
"But it was an important chapter in the story and this end wouldn't feel the way it does without that chapter. So I still completely stand by the idea."
The movie is up against quite a blockbuster slate which includes Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens, which hits cinemas on 17 December, and the latest Bond movie Spectre, which has already taken nearly $200m (£131m) worldwide (beating Skyfall's takings).
But Francis Lawrence is adamant that his Hunger games finale will hold its own in the market.
"I hope we can take Bond on, I'm sure we can. I'm a fan of those movies.
"I love Sam Mendes' work and I love Daniel Craig. I hope they do well and I hope we do well."
Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2 hits cinemas on 19 November.
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