The Student News Site of Neshaminy High School

The Playwickian

The Student News Site of Neshaminy High School

The Playwickian

The Student News Site of Neshaminy High School

The Playwickian

‘The Hunger Games’ director won’t catch fire Director Gary Ross denies much anticipated sequel offer

By Tyler Kitchenman and Marissa Silverman
Entertainment Editor and Special Features Editor

“Hunger Games” director, Gary Ross, has decided to not return to direct the sequel, “Catching Fire,” the cinematic take on the second book in the hit series by Suzanne Collins.
“Despite recent speculation in the media, and after difficult but sincere consideration, I have decided not to direct ‘Catching Fire’,” Ross said in a statement.
Negotiations were attempted to be made to try to get him to stay for the sequel, but he unable to come to agreement with scheduling and compensation. “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,” Ross said about the relationship between him and entertainment corporation, Lionsgate.
The second film is due to come out November 2013, giving the studio and creators a very limited amount of time to prepare themselves before production would need to begin. The first book of the series began filming in North Carolina in May 2011 and concluded in September.
With such a short window to find a replacement for Ross Lionsgate is searching for director that will meet their expectations. At this point the company feels they may have found their solution. Francis Lawrence, director of such films as the sci-fi epic “I AM Legend,” the supernatural thriller “Constantine” or the recent drama “Water for Elephants,” is on the budget to be next Hunger Games saga director.
Nothing is set in stone but at this point it appears that Lawrence will be the director of the saga’s sequel “Catching Fire.” The company feels that his special effects experience and his ability to control a large set will ultimately met the requirements needed to successfully make the film. The fans wait in anticipation to see if Lawrence can live up to the saga’s beginnings.

Story continues below advertisement
More to Discover
Activate Search
The Student News Site of Neshaminy High School
‘The Hunger Games’ director won’t catch fire Director Gary Ross denies much anticipated sequel offer