Feb 03, 2014 03:00 PM EST
Philip Seymour Hoffman Dead: His Death Will Not Affect 'Hunger Games' Franchise Film

As Hollywood continues to mourn the news of Philip Seymour Hoffman's death, many are questioning how "The Hunger Games" film franchise would proceed without him.

According to the New York Daily News, Hoffman's role as Head Game maker Plutarch Heavensbee in the "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1" was "substantially compete" at the time of his death, a source close to the production revealed.

"Philip Seymour Hoffman was a singular talent and one of the most gifted actors of our generation," Lionsgate, the studio behind "The Hunger Games" movies, said in a statement on Sunday. "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."

The actor reportedly had one week of filming left on "Mockingjay Part 2." Hoffman's death will not affect the scheduled release dates of either film. "Mockingjay Part 1" will be released on Nov. 21 and "Mockingjay Part 2" will be released on Nov. 20, 2015.

"Words cannot convey the devastating loss we are all feeling right now," said a statement from "Hunger Games" star Jennifer Lawrence, director Francis Lawrence, author Suzanne Collins and producers Nina Jacobson and Jon Kilik. "Philip was a wonderful person and an exceptional talent, and our hearts are breaking. Our deepest thoughts and condolences go out to his family."

The 46-year-old actor was found dead in his Manhattan home on Sunday. Police reports stated that the cause of death was due to a drug overdose. He was discovered with a hypodermic needle stuck in his left arm and bags of heroin around his house.

"We are devastated by the loss of our beloved Phil," Hoffman's family said in a statement following his death. "This is a tragic and sudden loss."

Besides "Mockingjay," Hoffman worked on other films that are ready for release: Anton Corbijn's "A Most Wanted Man," starring Rachel McAdams and Robin Wright and "God's Pocket," featuring Christina Hendricks and Richard Jenkins. Both films will premiere at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival.

"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 two weeks ago and he seemed in a good place despite some issues he had to deal with," Corbijn said in a statement. "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."

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