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    Gary Ross Exits 'Hunger Games' Franchise; Not Directing 'Catching Fire' (Report)

    Access Hollywood – Fri, Apr 6, 2012

    Following in the footsteps of Catherine Hardwicke, who directed the first "Twilight Saga" movie and then bowed out, Gary Ross is reportedly exiting the massively successful "The Hunger Games" franchise.

    According to Indiewire's blog The Playlist, Ross will not return to direct the second installment, "Catching Fire."

    PLAY IT NOW: Josh Hutcherson & Liam Hemsworth’s ‘Hunger Games’ Transformations

    The director reportedly gave Lionsgate his notice earlier this week.

    Reports swirled this week that Ross and Lionsgate were finalizing contracts, but according to The Playlist, the director is not looking to repeat himself and wants to pursue other projects.

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    Lionsgate was not immediately available for comment when contacted by Access Hollywood on Friday morning.

    "Catching Fire" is slated to begin shooting in the fall and will hit theaters on November 22, 2013.

    In related news, series star Jennifer Lawrence (Katniss Everdeen) will very much be available to shoot both "Catching Fire" and the sequel to "X-Men: First Class."

    VIEW THE PHOTOS: ‘Hunger Games’ Hottie Josh Hutcherson

    According to The Hollywood Reporter, 20th Century Fox will shoot the Marvel mutant sequel - where she plays shape-shifter Mystique - in January, after "Fire" is done filming.

    AH Nation Poll: Will the franchise suffer without Gary Ross directing? VOTE HERE!

    Copyright 2012 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.
    This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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