“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,” Gary Ross said in a statement regarding why he will not return to direct Catching Fire.
Fox announced that X-Men would commence shooting in January 2013, freeing up Lawrence to film Catching Fire later this year.
“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.”
Lionsgate, in turn, also released a 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.”
Now let the speculation begins as to who steps in. Lest we forget that Steven Soderbergh directed some second unit scenes for The Hunger Games, but there are also numerous qualified candidates who may jump at the chance (given their availability) to take on a mammoth production set to shoot in several months. The Twilight series changed directors from film to film, with no let up in audience attendance (harsh critical reviews be damned).
Let’s hope Lionsgate does not rush to that decision once again simply to meet deadlines, and keep our fingers crossed they do not have Brett Ratner’s phone number anywhere near a speed dial button in their time of need.
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