The Hunger Games director Gary Ross has parted ways with Vancover-based Lionsgate, raising questions about the future of the blockbuster film franchise.

In a statement jointly released by the company, Ross cited time constraints for the move.

“I simply don’t have the time I need to write and prep the movie I would have wanted to make because of the fixed and tight production schedule,” he said.

Ross, who also co-wrote the screenplay that was based on the teen novels by Suzanne Collins, was in talks to write and direct the sequel, Catching Fire. Lionsgate had planned to release three or four movies based on the novels.

The departure leaves Lionsgate in a troubling quandary. The first film has generated more than $400 million in its first three weeks in theatres, and pressure is on to equal or better that success with the sequel.

Catching Fire is set to hit screens Nov. 22, 2013.

“We’re very sorry that Gary Ross has chosen not to direct Catching Fire,” Lionsgate said. “We were really looking forward to making the movie with him. He did an incredible job on the first film and we are grateful for his work.”

It was earlier reported that Hunger Games‘ principal cast, including Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth, have agreed to complete the series of films.

Photo: hungerfans.com