A "returning director" refers to someone who had previously served as a director, left the role temporarily, and then resumed their position. Full definition
Similar liberties (although to a lesser extent) were taken by returning director Wes Ball and screenwriter T.S. Nowlin with the «The Maze Runner,» so these omissions aren't show - stoppers for audience members who have read the books (and most certainly not for those who haven't). (thecriticalcritics.com)
Screenwriters Ken Daurio and Cinco Paul, along with returning directors Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud, realize they have a comic gold mine in Steve Carell («The Office») so they keep the focus on their supervillain - gone - supersoftie who's dealing with the challenges of being a good dad to three very cute girls. (sfgate.com)
Screenwriters Strong and Craig ditch the propaganda speechifying that bogged down the previous film, while returning director Francis Lawrence doesn't allow Collins» pointed cynicism about political leaders to overshadow the fast - paced and exciting action sequences. (mercurynews.com)