From 'The Hunger Games' To 'The Odyssey'

Director Francis Lawrence revolutionized the Hunger Games movies after Gary Ross had his turn at the helm. But now The Hunger Games director will direct The Odyssey , putting a new spin on one of history's most famous stories. Lionsgate has enlisted their prized filmmaker to direct a new adaptation of Homer's epic poem, along with Lionsgate executive Nina Jacobson and Mockingjay - Part 2 writer Peter Craig.

The Odyssey is one of those stories that has stood the test of time. In addition to numerous book translations, multiple filmmakers have tried their hand at movie adaptations. Actor Armande Assante played Odysseus in a TV series version, and then there was the 2006 movie version that consisted of a collection of short films. Each installment was created with a different filmmaker and told a different story from the epic. But arguably the most famous iteration was the Kirk Douglas-led Ulysses in 1954. Then, of course, there are all the films inspired by The Odyssey, including the Coen brothers' O Brother, Where Art Thou. Even now, there's a rival adaptation in development at Warner Bros. Needless to say, the themes and stories still resonate with people today.

The story is one of the more entertaining stories you've likely read in high school Humanities classes, and its built-in themes surrounding fate, hospitality, divine intervention, ego and gender clashing — and these are just some that instantly come to mind — still strike nerves with modern readers. Not to mention how much of today's entertainment offer nods to its story. The Hunger Games, for instance, showcases the tributes in garb inspired by Grecian deities: Katniss and Peeta act as the twins, Artemis and Apollo, while Finnick wields a trident like Poseidon and Rue and Tresh's District 11 embody Demeter, goddess of the harvest.

For another, Game of Thrones actress Lena Headey likely gets her character name, Cersei, from Circe, the sorceress who transfigures her victims into animals.

See? Everyone loves a good Odyssey Easter egg.

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