‘Hunger Games’ won’t be delayed by death
Philip Seymour Hoffman’s death won’t have an effect on the release of the final two Hunger Games films, Lionsgate studio has announced.
In a statement released after the star’s death from an apparent drug overdose on Sunday, Lionsgate revealed that the star had "substantially completed" his work on The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 and had seven days left of shooting on Part 2.
The studio also confirmed that Hoffman will not be replaced in his role as head game-maker Plutarch Heavensbee, who fans of the novel will know plays a pivotal role in Mockingjay, and that the planned release dates – 21 November 2014 for Part 1 and 20 November 2015 for Part 2 – will remain unchanged.
The studio added: "Philip Seymour Hoffman was a singular talent and one of the most gifted actors of our generation. We’re very fortunate that he graced our Hunger Games family. Losing him in his prime is a tragedy, and we send our deepest condolences to Philip’s family."
Meanwhile, Catching Fire and Mockingjay director Francis Lawrence, author Suzanne Collins, producers Nina Jacobson and Jon Kilik and franchise star Jennifer Lawrence said in a statement obtained by E! News: "Philip was a wonderful person and an exceptional talent, and our hearts are breaking. Our deepest thoughts and condolences go out to his family."
