The Playlist has learned that the director of the smash-hit The Hunger Games, Gary Ross, will not return to direct the sequel Catching Fire. We learned this morning that a deal had been made between Fox and Lionsgate for Jennifer Lawrence to appear in both Catching Fire and the sequel to X-Men: First Class, with the latter now filming next January instead of the previously-reported shooting date of Fall.
Contrary to popular belief, his leaving is not a financial dispute. Ross simply has no desire to continue in the world of Panem, and wants to try something fresh and new (something he says will earn him a bigger pay-day than he ever would have earned for Catching Fire).
So even though Catching Fire will indeed shoot this Fall as originally planned, it will be without it’s original director. Expect more news as Lionsgate have most likely already begun the hunt for a new director to helm the sequel. Sound off with your thoughts below!
SOURCE: The Playlist
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