by Steven Zeitchik

“Clash of the Titans 2″ is seemingly turning into a bigger priority by the day.

Producers, along with executives at Warner Bros. and producer Legendary Pictures, have been busily meeting with directors, with an eye to shooting the sequel as early as January.

A number of filmmakers are in contention for the job, but one name that’s risen to the top of the list is Jonathan Liebesman. Originally a horror director — he made “Darkness Falls” and the 2006 “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” prequel — Liebesman has re-fashioned himself as an action director. The filmmaker has a movie called “Battle: Los Angeles” — about an alien invasion in this fair city — coming next year. He’s also onboard for another classic action tale (or an action tale set in a classic period) at Warner Bros: a re-imagining of “Odysseus” with the producers of “300,” which Liebesman helped conceive and then sold to the studio.

The new director on “Clash 2″ would of course replace Louis Leterrier, who opted not to direct the follow-up to his recent film.

Warners and Legendary have reason to move quickly on “Clash 2.” The original (that is, the 2010 remake) pocketed a nice chunk of change — $162 million domestically and a solid $325 million overseas, on a budget of only about $125 million. And this one will be shot in 3-D — none of the conversion stuff. That means the movie could be more expensive, but at least it won’t get hammered for its look.

Early 2011 is also a priority because the studio needs to make sure star Sam Worthington, who is committed to shoot “Avatar 2″ (likely later in the year), is free and clear. Look for this one to continue to come together quickly.

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