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.

Ross took on the high-profile project of co-adapting and directing the film adaptation of the first book in Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games trilogy. He went on to write several other successful films including Mr. Co-written with his neighbor Anne Spielberg (sister of Steven) it led to an Academy Award nomination and a Writers Guild of America Award.

Gary Ross (born November 3 1956) is an American writer director and actor. Big was his first produced script. Although the movie was financially and critically successful Ross opted to not adapt or direct the sequels citing his focus on the first film in the series as his main reason.