Gary Ross Officially Drops Out of The Hunger Games Sequel, Catching Fire

Just hours ago, The Hunger Games star Josh Hutcherson announced to ComingSoon.net his belief that writer/director Gary Ross would be returning to helm the sequel, Catching Fire.

“There is not much doubt in my mind he’ll be doing it,” he said. “I think so. I don’t think there’s a chance he won’t. He killed the first one, absolutely knocked it out of the park. Everyone loved him. Myself, Jennifer and the others loved him. I couldn’t imagine making another movie without him.”

It comes as unfortunate news, then, that Ross has elected not to return to the hugely successfull franchise. Lionsgate has released the following statement from the director:

“Despite recent speculation in the media, and after difficult but sincere consideration, I have decided not to direct ‘Catching Fire’. As a writer and a director, 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.

I loved making ‘The Hunger Games’ – it was the happiest experience of my professional life. Lionsgate was supportive of me in a manner that few directors ever experience in a franchise: they empowered me to make the film I wanted to make and backed the movie in a way that requires no explanation beyond the remarkable results. And contrary to what has been reported, negotiations with Lionsgate have not been problematic. They have also been very understanding of me through this difficult decision.

I also cannot say enough about the people I worked with: Producer Nina Jacobson, a great collaborator and a true friend; the brilliant Suzanne Collins, who entrusted us with her most amazing and important story; the gifted and remarkable Jennifer Lawrence whose performance exceeded my wildest expectations, and the rest of the incredible cast, whom I am proud to call my friends.

To the fans I want to say thank you for your support your faith, your enthusiasm and your trust. Hard as this may be to understand I am trying to keep that trust with you. Thank you all. It’s been a wonderful experience.”

Lionsgate also issued the below statement of their own:

“We’re very sorry that Gary Ross has chosen not to direct ‘Catching Fire’. We 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. This will not be the end of our relationship, as we consider Ross to be part of the Lionsgate family and look forward to working with him in the future.”

Catching Fire is planned for a November 22, 2013 release. The search is no doubt on to locate a replacement director as soon as possible.

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