Hunger Games director Gary Ross departs franchise

The Hunger Games was a stone cold hit, beating Twilight's opening box office in the US. With critical acclaim also in the new franchise's pocket, we couldn't imagine anything but the greenest of green lights for the sequels Catching Fire and Mocking Jay.

But with success also comes pressure. And director Gary Ross, who successfully brought Suzanne Collins' first novel to the screen, will not be directing installments two and three. After speculation in the Hollywood press about disputes over money and scheduling, both Ross and distributor Lionsgate have released statements saying that they are parting ways.

Ross said: "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."

Catching Fire is due for release in November 2013. Clearly, Ross and Lionsgate have not managed to come to terms.

The Seabiscuit director remained positive about the monstrously popular new franchise however. He called The Hunger Games "the happiest experience of my professional life.

Lionsgate's statement also made nice with Ross, appearing to deny any kind of dispute: "This will not be the end of our relationship, as we consider Ross to be part of the Lionsgate family and look forward to working with him in the future.

The quest is now on for a director who can take on the franchise effectively. Simon Beaufoy, the Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire writer, is penning the new film. What do you think of these options?