Entertainment Weekly had a chance to chat with Hunger Games star Josh Hutcherson at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday about Gary Ross and Francis Lawrence, who had been offered by Lionsgate to direct the sequel.

“I called him and I was like ‘Gary what’s up? What’s happening? Tell me it’s not the truth,” said Hutcherson. “I’ve never heard someone sound more dejected on the phone than he was. He was so sad he can’t be doing it.”

Though Hutcherson said he was “sad about Gary not being there,” he explained he’s eager to start shooting Catching Fire and looks forward to working with new director Francis Lawrence, whom he referred to as “extremely talented.”

“I think we’re going to make a good movie nevertheless and I’m excited to see what Francis brings to the table,” said Hutcherson.