Gary Ross No Longer Directing CATCHING FIRE (updated)
It’s official. Gary Ross has chosen not to direct CATCHING FIRE, the second installment of The Hunger Games trilogy. Here’s his statement to Lionsgate courtesy of Deadline:
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.
Catching Fire was my favorite book of the three and I think that there are other directors better-suited for the material. I may be in the minority on this one, but I didn’t find Gary Ross’ direction to be all that spectacular. The shaky cam was horrible and while it was a solid adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ book, I still thought it could have been a lot stronger. I’m excited to see who Lionsgate will choose to helm the sequel, but let’s hope their “frugalness” doesn’t drive away potential candidates. The Hunger Games has already grossed $377,939,407 worldwide after only 13 days of release, and it’s showing no signs of slowing down.