The studio behind The Hunger Games franchise which introduced the late Philip Seymour Hoffman as Plutarch Heavensbee in last year’s Catching Fire has released a statement on the actor’s passing: “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.”

Related: Philip Seymour Hoffman Dead At 46 Of Apparent Overdose



We’re hearing Hoffman had completed the majority of his work on Lionsgate‘s The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Parts 1 & 2 prior to his sudden death Sunday morning. He had seven days of filming to go before wrapping Mockingjay Part 2, but there’s no word yet on what Lionsgate plans to do to make up for that remaining week Hoffman was supposed to film. The role is a significant one that increases in stature following Plutarch’s introduction in Catching Fire, in which the new Head Gamemaker shares brief encounters with Katniss and is seen pulling strings for the Capital behind the scenes. In the subsequent Mockingjay novel which Lionsgate has split into two films, Plutarch plays a key role in the resistance.

Hoffman’s death is not expected to affect the previously set release dates of Mockingjay Part 1 on November 21, 2014 and Mockingjay Part 2 on November 20, 2015, but it could prove tricky in post-production on the franchise finale.

Related: PHOTOS: Philip Seymour Hoffman (1967-2014)