‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Parts 1 & 2’ Release Date Won’t Be Affected By Philip Seymour Hoffman’s Death

With your empathies obviously in the right place, the question you might be asking yourself right now is: “Wait, Philip Seymour Hoffman was shooting ‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Parts 1 & 2‘ as Plutarch Heavensbee recently. Will the movie be OK?”

The answer is: yes. Lionsgate, perhaps trying to assuage concerns about their multi-million dollar franchise ($1.5 billion grossed thus far worldwide), bravely broached queries almost instantly this afternoon by releasing a statement that said Hoffman had “substantially completed [work] on ‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1‘ and he had seven days remaining to shoot on ‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2.’ This tragedy will not affect the films.” So don’t worry, ‘Mockingjay Part 1’ will still arrive on November 21st and ‘Mockingjay Part 2’ remains scheduled to arrive on November 20, 2015 (although Deadline suggests part two might have a more difficult time without him).

Lionsgate also 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.” 

For their part, the Hoffman family released their own statement this afternoon. “We are devastated by the loss of our beloved Phil and appreciate the outpouring of love and support we have received from everyone. This is a tragic and sudden loss and we ask that you respect our privacy during this time of grieving. Please keep Phil in your thoughts and prayers,” they wrote.

Meanwhile, filmmaker Anton Corbijn, who just directed Hoffman recently in the Sundance movie “A Most Wanted Man,” also released a statement. It reads:

“Hearing that Philip Seymour Hoffman passed away came as much as a shock to me as to anyone else I’d imagine. We spent some time together only 2 weeks ago and he seemed in a good place despite some issues he had to deal with. He was not only the most gifted actor I ever worked with (and judging by the legacy he leaves behind I am certain I share this with most if not all directors who were fortunate enough to work with him), he had also become an incredibly inspiring and supportive friend. I am so terribly sad as I find it impossible to comprehend what happened today and to collect my thoughts properly. I have to think about Mimi and the children and I wish them much strength coping with the loss of this truly great man as a father and partner.”

Hoffman was also poised to star in the series “Happyish” for Showtime—for which and the pilot had been shot by director John Cameron Mitchell. The network has also released a statement: “Philip Seymour Hoffman was one of our generation’s finest and most brilliant actors. He was also a gifted comedic talent. It was a great privilege and pleasure to work with him and we are all absolutely devastated by this sudden loss. Our thoughts go out to his family at this very difficult time.”

Lastly, if you want to remember the life and career of Philip Seymour Hoffman productively, the films “Punch Drunk Love,” “Hard Eight,” “A Late Quartet,” “Mary And Max” and “The Talented Mr. Ripley” are all streaming on Netflix right now.