So after weeks of wondering if he was or wasn't going to direct it, it's nice to finally have the confirmation from Mr. Ross himself that he will not be directing The Hunger Games sequel, Catching Fire, so now Lionsgate will be looking frantically for a new director to helm it.
From Deadline, Gary Ross is quoted as saying, "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."
Lionsgate also put out a statment regarding Ross' decision: "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."
In case you're wondering who could possibly direct Catching Fire, read my short list of directors of who I think would be a good fit to direct Catching Fire.
Source: Deadline