Josh Hutcherson (Peeta, in the Hunger Games) has been interviewed by Entertainment Weekly about the upcoming Catching Fire film, which will be directed by Francis Lawrence, not Gary Ross, who directed The Hunger Games. Hutcherson spoke to EW at a White House Correspondent’s Dinner.

“I called him and I was like ‘Gary what’s up? What’s happening? Tell me it’s not the truth,” said Hutcherson. “I’ve never heard someone sound more dejected on the phone than he was. He was so sad he can’t be doing it.”

Though Hutcherson said he was “sad about Gary not being there,” he explained he’s eager to start shooting Catching Fire and looks forward to working with new director Francis Lawrence, whom he referred to as “extremely talented.”

“I think we’re going to make a good movie nevertheless and I’m excited to see what Francis brings to the table,” said Hutcherson.

I feel bad for Gary Ross, he must have been really looking forward to directing Catching Fire. What are your thoughts on Ross leaving the franchise?