Poor Josh Hutcherson. He seemed so sure that Gary Ross would return to direct The Hunger Games sequel, Catching Fire, and now he'll have to deal with the fact that somebody else will be behind the camera. A few days ago, ThePlaylist broke the story that Ross was dropping out of the film, basically citing the desire to pursue other projects. This was quickly followed by other sites and Lionsgate reps stating that negotiations were still under way and nothing was final. Well, it's sure as sh*t final now. Here's the official statement from Ross....
"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."
Based on that, it doesn't sound as if money was ever the issue, and like I speculated before, he simply wanted to move on and do something different. It's what Ross has always done.
Now the question turns to who will take over Catching Fire. While the name Steven Soderbergh may be first on fans' lists as the top notch filmmaker did 2nd Unit work on The Hunger Games, chances are it'll be somebody with more franchise experience. David Slade(The Twilight Saga: Eclipse), Andrew Adamson(The Chronicles of Narnia), Francis Lawrence(I Am Legend), and Sam Mendes(Skyfall) were contenders the first time around and may be considerations again.
Catching Fire is currently being written by Simon Beaufoy(Slumdog Millionaire) and set for release on November 22nd 2013.
