Gary Ross Developing ‘Peter and the Starcatchers’

Director Gary Ross has been relatively quiet after helming 'The Hunger Games' to more than $400 million at the box office earlier this year -- and then stepping away from the franchise. But now we've got some indication of what he may be doing next.

The Hollywood Reporter says that Ross is developing 'Peter and the Starcatchers' as the next project for which he'll get behind the camera. The Disney film is based on a 2004 book by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson that was adapted for the stage, ran off-Broadway and ended up moving to Broadway itself this year, where it won five Tonys. Who knew?

Anyway, the book is sort of a prequel to 'Peter Pan,' which should make for a nice double bill with the studio's upcoming 'Oz, the Great and Powerful.' The story follows Peter in his younger years as he meets a girl named Molly aboard the Never Never Land ship and embarks on an adventure with her to stop a trunk containing "magical starstuff" from falling into the hands of a pirate named Black Stache -- better known to us in his later incarnation as Captain Hook. Whew, that's a lot of plot!

Ross is not officially confirmed to direct the film yet, but a screenplay is underway from writer Jesse Wigutow. Although he's also been attached to a film based on the life of Houdini, Ross has kept silent about his next move after sensationally declining to direct 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.' We'll let you know if this happens.