Confirmed: Gary Ross Will Not Direct Catching Fire


Managing Editor
04/06/12 10:58am
17 Comments

The Playlist is reporting that it is confirmed: Gary Ross will not return to direct Catching Fire. Previously we told you that negotiations over pay had stalled Ross’ confirmation as director of Catching Fire, and that it seemed odd considering how previously he had expressed such enthusiasm over the series.

Playlist states that Ross “is looking to change things up for this next effort,” and that he has another script lined up that will net him more cash than Catching Fire would.

While this is very disappointing, plenty of major franchises, such as Harry Potter, have gone on to great success with new directors. In fact, the first Potter film to feature a few director, Prisoner of Azkaban, would be the most critically acclaimed film in the series for seven long years, until another director took the honour with Deathly Hallows Part 2. There’s hope yet!

Who would you like to see in the director’s chair for Catching Fire?

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  • http://twitter.com/SnazzMaster Daniel Everett

    Maybe there won’t be so much camera jiggling now.

    • accionadine

      The shaky camera work was my favorite thing int he entire movie including his way of tuning out music or sound in specific scenes. It gave the movie such a real touch. It was like being part of it.

      • Carbon658

        I thought it was totally distracting. There are a ton of ways to make you feel like a part of the story. “Shaky cam” is effective in certain moments. An entire film of it is overkill.

        • accionadine

          What scenes suffered from the shaky camera? It was so different from the usual static Hollywood crap. I appreciate Gary Ross’ work so much and that he tried to change things up for a change. He was so clever letting the camera walk up the stage towards Effie when actually Katniss was walking that exact paths. I just can’t praise him enough.

  • Critterfur7

    It depends on who’s willing to take the plunge. It’s a rare thing for an established director to jump onto a franchise in the middle (Alfonso Cuaron was known for A Little Princess and Y Tu Mama Tambien, but wasn’t known for delivering blockbusters…then again, neither was Gary Ross). If I had my druthers, I’d say J.J. Abrams (who will probably be busy directing the next Star Trek) or Joss Whedon (who will probably be saddled with all the Avengers hoopla). I’m probably missing some really excellent directors who haven’t yet cut their teeth in Hollywood but would be energetic and creative in their endeavors.

  • Aresman71

    Am I the only one who read that as “Gary Ross Bows Out” — as in, bow and arrow? Because Katniss uses a bow? I can’t be the only one.

  • SsvenjaE

    would love to see Joss Whedon directing it.

  • http://www.youtube.com/missxrojas Rosianna

    It’d be great if they had an Unknown. Or David Fincher. Those are the only options ;)

  • http://about.me/dshana Shana Debusschere

    I was kinda hoping it wouldn’t be true, but apparently it is..
    I don’t know who I’d want, If I could have my pick I’d want to see Peter Jackson’s take on it, but that’s not going to happen..

  • accionadine

    It’s a shame really because I loved the movie so much and I was really satisfied with Gary Ross’ way of portraying characters, places and events.

    Christopher Nolan is one of my absolute favorites, director wise so maybe he would be up for it….

  • sharleen

    DAVID YATES! or David Fincher!

  • http://twitter.com/Leah617 Leah Cornish

    I think Paul McGuigan would be an interesting choice.

  • 19yearslater

    Nooo! I don’t want The Hunger Games to go the way of Prisoner of Azkaban, the series took a huge turn for the worse at that point. :( At least we had one great film.

    • http://twitter.com/BradAusrotas Brad Ausrotas

      I don’t agree at all! While the series had its low points (GoF and HBP respectively), OotP, and both parts of DH (as well as obviously the amazing PoA), had some fantastic bits of film-making.

  • Guest

    Chris Columbus!!

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