Ross Not A Lock To Helm Hunger Games Sequel

Unlike the stars of The Hunger Games--Jennifer Lawrence Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth  director Gary Ross is not signed on for the sequel says The Hollywood Reporter.

Ross is in discussions for a significant raise for the to take on the next film adapting author Suzanne Collins' novel series "Catching Fire".

Despite making over $360 million thus far worldwide, 'Games' was not without its issues. Negotiations for Ross to do the first film were decidedly tough and he took a relatively low salary to co-write and direct the film - though he will collect a very nice 5% of the backend.

Ross didn't start negotiations until early last month and now there's questions over whether he will return to begin filming the project this Fall. While he may have a lot of balls in his corner, major franchises from "The Twilight film series " to "Harry Potter film series" have shown the studios are not affraid to replace directors if they want.

Lionsgate reportedly has a script for Fire from"Slumdog Millionaire" writer Simon Beaufoy  that Ross has yet to revise. Another complication is Fox could exercise its option on Jennifer Lawrence for a "Untitled X-Men First Class Sequel" which could cause issues with filming schedules and Lionsgate's already targeted November 22nd 2013 release date for 'Fire'.

Stay Tuned....