'Hunger Games' Sequel: With Gary Ross Out, Who Should Direct 'Catching Fire'?

Anyone who has kept their eyes and ears glued to the "Hunger Games" would know that Director, Gary Ross, has abandoned ship for the shoot of "Catching Fire."

Yet even with the news that he won't be all hands off on the sequel, fans are in rage questioning why he had suddenly decided to leave production. So with Gary Ross out, who among Hollywood's topnotch directors is worthy of directing "Catching Fire"?

November 22, 2013 is the much anticipated release of the sequel to Suzanne Collins post-apocalyptic novel but with the director for the "Hunger Games" out, would this mean the film release might be moved later? Well, it won't as long as Lionsgate finds a suitable director for "Catching Fire."

Gary Ross may be one out of many Hollywood directors who have earned an Oscar nod for his film works namely "Seabiscuit," but if there would be an Oscar nominated director worthy of "Catching Fire" then it would be none other than the great, Steven Spielberg.

Fans have been screaming his name all over polls and heated debates as to who could direct the second film. However, with a few other directors who have proven prowess in the impossible on film such as Peter Jackson and Michael Bay, Steven might not be the only choice. If rumors were indeed true about Gary Ross leaving due to financial matters, then it's no doubt production could not afford the likes of Spielberg as well.

"Harry Potter's" Alfonso Cuaron is also included in a few fan suggestions along with Ridley Scott. Frank Darabont who was the former executive producer of the highly acclaimed television series, "Walking Dead" was also mentioned a few times on internet polls. Other worthy suggestions include Christopher Nolan, Simon Beaufoy and Jon Favreau.

Fans may be on frenzy as to who may produce "Catching Fire" but they also fail to mention Steven Soderbergh as a likely director. Soderbergh, as fans may recall, had aided in a few weeks production on the set of "The Hunger Games".

If there is one director to do the job then Steven would be the man given that he has already worked with the cast on set and Gary Ross had given him a chance to work alongside the first film.

Steven Spielberg, best picture nominee as one of the producers of "War Horse", arrives at the 84th Academy Awards nominees luncheon in Beverly Hills, California February 6, 2012. Spielberg directed the film as well.

Peter Jackson, a producer of the film "West of Memphis", poses for a portrait during the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah January 21, 2012.

U.S. film director and producer Michael Bay listens to a question from the media during a news conference at the premiere launch for "Transformers - The Ride" at Universal Studios Singapore theme park, part of Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore December 2, 2011. The ride will open officially to the public on Saturday.

Director Alfonso Cuaron attends a photocall in Venice September 3, 2006. Cuaron's movie "Children of Men" is showing at the Venice film festival.

British director Ridley Scott and actress Giannina Facio pose at the 19th Annual BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) Los Angeles Britannia Awards in Los Angeles November 4, 2010.

Director Frank Darabont puts his arms around a large Oscar statue as he arrives for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences Oscar nominee luncheon, March 13 in Beverly Hills. Darabont is nominated as best director for his film "The Green Mile." The Academy Awards will be presented March 26 in Los Angeles.

Feature film nomination recipient Christopher Nolan poses backstage at the 63rd annual DGA Awards dinner in Los Angeles January 29, 2011.

Writer Simon Beaufoy poses with his award for best adapted screenplay for "Slumdog Millionaire" backstage at the 81st Academy Awards in Hollywood, California, February 22, 2009.

Director Jon Favreau reads from a journal he compiled during the filming of the "Iron Man" movies at the ceremony for the 25th American Cinematheque Award in Beverly Hills, California October 14, 2011.

Director Steven Soderbergh speaks during a news conference to promote the movie "Haywire" at the 62nd Berlinale International Film Festival in Berlin February 15, 2012.