Ross on the set of 'The Hunger Games'

Lionsgate is obviously extremely excited about the almost-here The Hunger Games, and the sequel to the upcoming film, titled Catching Fire, has been touched upon in the past. Last time we heard, Slumdog Millionaire‘s Simon Beaufoy was in talks to pen the second film’s script, while no director was confirmed at the time. Now, not only has Beaufoy been confirmed, but so has the director.

The Wrap is reporting that Gary Ross, who has directed the upcoming first film in the planned four film series, will be helming Catching Fire, and with it comes the confirmation of Beaufoy. Ross works so close to the project that he is working on writing the story with Beaufoy right now, just as he worked with Suzanne Collins on the first script.

With the duo working on the script already, filming could easily begin on the sequel this summer after the first’s full promotion, including Blu-Ray and DVD release.

Catching Fire isn’t due to hit theaters until November 22nd, 2013, with Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Woody Harrelson, and most of the original cast slated to return.