Danny Strong penning 'Mockingjay' films

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 2 (UPI) -- U.S. writer-producer Danny Strong has been hired to pen the script for "Mockingjay," the two-part finale of "The Hunger Games" film franchise, Variety reported.

The former "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" cast member won two Emmy Awards last month for writing and producing the HBO movie "Game Change." He also won a Writers Guild of America Award for his screenplay for HBO's 2009 TV movie "Recount."

Lionsgate declined to comment on Strong's hiring to write the two movies, which are set for release in 2014 and 2015, Variety said.