As a Lionsgate executive now tells Deadline, we’re all in a bit of a “shock”.
After several rumors that director Gary Ross will not be coming back, a denial of the said report, some negotiations, we finally have Gary Ross’s official statement: he will indeed not be directing The Hunger Games sequel, Catching Fire.
The negotiations were handled by Lionsgate’s top executives Jon Feltheimer, Michael Burns and movie chief Rob Friedman who is newly arrived from Summit Entertainment.
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.
Source:
Tanvi
Tanvi Berwah is a 22 year old literature and movies enthusiast with a keen interest in world politics and human rights. Loves cats, writing and laughing. A lot.
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That is too bad
:0 this is terrible! He did such a truely amazing job with The Hunger Games,It simply won’t be the same and I’m deeply dissapointed. I feel as though only He can make these films the way they are meant to be.
I just hope that who ever does direct it does not mess it up. Gary Ross was fantastic.
NOOOOO!
i’m crying right now!! D: This is just TOO sad.