Even though Jennifer Lawrence’s schedule has been freed up, the sequel to “The Hunger Games” (Catching Fire) will need to find a new director. According to The Playlist, Gary Ross is moving on to other projects. The director reportedly notified Lionsgate earlier this week.It was widely thought that Lionsgate and Ross would be able to agree to terms, but apparently Ross wants to move in another direction. It isn’t surprising, as Ross has spent his career bouncing around genres. Heck, look at the films he’s directed: “Pleasantville,” “Seabiscuit,” and “The Hunger Games.” Hard to find three films more different. Even the stuff that he writes is all over the map, from comedy (“Big”) to animated kids stuff (“The Tale of Despereaux”).Besides, if you’re Ross, there is nowhere but down to go for him with this franchise. He did what some people thought was impossible: adapted a violent, dark book that has much of its material inside the protagonist’s mind into a well made film that both fans and newbies alike love. How is he going to do better with “Catching Fire?”Good luck to Ross on his next project. Whatever he does, were sure he’ll do a heck of a job.”Catching Fire” is scheduled to open in theaters November 2013.
