Hunger Games Sequel Catching Fire Could Be Delayed, but Why?!

Negotiations with director Gary Ross seem to be causing tension with moving forward on the second installment

By Bruna Nessif Apr 06, 2012 2:30 AMTags
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Uh-oh, are the odds not in our favor?

We're pretty sure Hunger Games fans are already antsy to see the franchise's second book, Catching Fire, on the big screen (we've already started casting the flick), and now we hear that we might have to wait even longer to see it. Ugh.

What's the deal?!

It all comes down to money, folks.

With the mega-blockbuster racking up $363 million (and counting), you would think it's a sure thing for director Gary Ross to return for another anticipated success. Plus, Gary expressed to E! News at The Hunger Games premiere that it was his favorite film to date and he's a huge fan of the books. The guy loves it just as much as we do!

But when it comes to cutting checks, there's an issue.

The Hollywood Reporter says that Lionsgate negotiations with Ross for the next film is causing some tension because of his asking price.

It's reported that Ross received $3 million—in addition to 5 percent of profits—to write and direct Hunger Games but is now seeking a substantial increase for Catching Fire. Slumdog Millionaire scribe Simon Beaufoy has already begun work on the screenplay, and Fire is slated to hit theaters in November 2013.

The studio had no comment on the situation and no monetary figures were released.

If Ross gets the boot (something that's happened before with other franchises), what does that mean for The Hunger Games?