Following the success of The Hunger Games, it was obvious that a sequel was going to be made and Lionsgate plan to push ahead with Catching Fire. However, The Hollywood Reporter have claimed that there has become a bit of a problem which could delay Catching Fire.
Lionsgate were hopeful that they could get director Gary Ross to return for Catching Fire but it seems that negotiations are not going great. Gary accepted a fee of just $3m, along with five percent of backend, to write and direct The Hunger Games but is hoping for much more to do Catching Fire.
Then there is the problem with Jennifer Lawrence, who will be returning to reprise her role as Katniss Everdeen. Jennifer is also signed on to do the X-Men: First Class sequel, which could get in the way of Catching Fire. However, Coming Soon claim that Fox will film X-Men: First Class 2 in January, allowing Catching Fire to be filmed this year.
Now it is all in the hands of Lionsgate, who need to decide whether to pay Gary Ross the fee that he is asking for or go in search of a new director. Catching Fire is currently expected to be released in November next year.