Lawrence Catches Fire Then Does X; Ross Leaves Games....

Fox plans to begin production on its in-development as yet Untitled X-Men First Class Sequel in January says Heat Vision.

The news seems to squash a potential problem over the availability of actress Jennifer Lawrence who played Mystique in X-Men: First Class and Katniss Everdeen in "The Hunger Games" - the actress is under contract for both sequels, but Fox's 'X-Men' one precedes and takes precedence over the one she inked for 'Games'

Lionsgate intends to move forward with an August/September start for production on the next film adapting author Suzanne Collins' novel series "Catching Fire"--Lawrence, will then jump right into work on the 'X-Men FC' sequel.

Meantime The Playlist informs that Games director Gary Ross will NOT helm "Catching Fire".

Ross gave formal notice of his exit to the suits earlier this week saying that he's opted out of franchise

He is said to be already moving on to another film based on something he wrote that will likely earn him a better pay day than he would have received for doing 'Fire'.

With Lawrence's availability now very strict the studio is going to have to rush to lock down a director in time for a shoot this Fall.