Gary Ross Has Exited “Hunger Games” Franchise, Will Not Return For “Catching Fire”

In stunning news The Playlist has reported that Gary Ross has decided to step down from the Hunger Games franchise and will no longer direct the sequel. While some reports have said money was the problem, it seems that Gary Ross might have his eyes set on a another piece he has written but the details are still vague. After the huge and continuing success of The Hunger Games I would be surprised that if this issue were over money. It seems more to be a combination of his hopes to start a new project and his disinterest to go back to Panem. The studio will need to find a new director and I am sure we will hear more about this as the days pass.

Gary Ross is known for writing Big and directing Pleasantville, Seabiscuit, and The Hunger Games. His last film Hunger Games is up to about $378 million in worldwide gross. It will be interesting to see who Lionsgate tries to replace him with and with shooting prepared for this upcoming Fall they better hurry.