It’s Confirmed! Gary Ross Will NOT Direct Hunger Games Sequel Catching Fire
For days, we have been waiting for an official announcement from Lionsgate whether or not Gary Ross will return to direct The Hunger Games sequel. Unfortunately, the director decided not to direct Catching Fire.
Here is the statement by Gary Ross just released by the studio::
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.
Here is Lionsgate’s statement:
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.
source: Deadline.com
Who is going to direct it now??
noooooooo!
This is extremely upsetting. I mean who else can truly capture the magnificence of catching fire now? Gary Ross has done it once and made an incredible film. If someone else comes along, their tactics will definitely be different and though they may produce a magnificent movie, it will not be as good as a film that Gary Ross will produce. It will be just like Harry Potter. Every single Harry Potter movie was incredible, but there were obvious changes as there were changed directors.
I do not know Gary Ross that much but since THG I felt like I’ve known him forever. He did great in THG. Makes me cry to know his out of it.
…. :’( Maybe everyone at my work is going to die today :’(
Well, I an think of a few amazing directors, but none as good as Gary Ross… There’s Mike Hodges, Steven speilberg, Peter Jackson, and Woody allen, there’s many more, but those are some of the best
Personally, I don’t know who should direct Catching Fire. I had imagined Gary Ross, (The brilliant mind he is) directing all three movies. I’m sure there are many candidates and plenty of people willing to take the job, but personally, I wish Ross did have more time to direct it. He had the amazing idea to make the movie, so why not continue? I’d highly suggest tha Ross gives a better explanation as to why he will not be directing the movie.
(This is my reply to the contest, I want Ross to stay)
But as an extension to my last comment, If it were up to me to choose someone other than Gary Ross, I’d choose Steven Speilburg (Spelling?)
WHAT?!?!?!?!? The shakycam to me was awesome, it gave it an edginess… What are we going to do without Gary Ross? Rebellion, anyone?
I think Gary Ross should direct the sequel since the first was ever so a success. I always thought he would direct all three. Go Gary
i can’t believe he isn’t directing the hunger games! the movie was great and it will be hard to live up to the expectations that he set for the movie. Steven speilberg i think is the best choice for a new director.
I think Gary should definitively direct catching fire because he did such a good job the first time through so I think he’ll do just as good the second.