Gary Ross Will Not Direct The Hunger Games Sequel Catching Fire
“I simply don’t have the time I need to write and prep the movie I would have wanted to make because of the fixed and tight production schedule.”
The Hunger Games director Gary Ross has released an official statement announcing that he will not be directing the sequel Catching Fire. Ross co-wrote and directed the original film, which has currently made over $300 million dollars, and has been at the top of the US box office charts for three weeks. While it was assumed that he would return for the sequel, Ross has now officially stepped down as director for the follow-up Catching Fire, though his statement explains that the split was amicable. Lionsgate recently announced a November 22, 2013 as the release date for the sequel with production set to begin this fall on the movie, and Ross, who has only directed three films since 1998, states I simply dont have the time I need to write and prep the movie I would have wanted to make because of the fixed and tight production schedule. Lionsgate have responded with a statement of their own, stating they were really looking forward to making the movie with him. He did an incredible job on the first film and we are grateful for his work. The studio will begin looking for a director for the franchises next instalment, so expect a number of names to appear in relation with the project over the coming weeks. Catching Fire is being written by Slumdog Millionaire screenwriter Simon Beaufoy, and will once again star Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth. Both statements can be read in full at Deadline (http://www.deadline.com/2012/04/gary-ross-decides-not-to-direct-hunger-games-2-catching-fire-lionsgate-in-shock/#more-255028).