The unexpected death of Philip Seymour Hoffman shocked the world yesterday. Fans of the actor found themselves understandably devastated by this news. Hoffman was loved and respected not only for his talent but also for his humble nature. Because Hoffman was such a respected actor, he was working on several film projects at the time of his death. Some of those films included The Hunger Games: MockingJay Part 1 and Part 2.

Hoffman’s tragic death left some people wondering how those movies would continue in his absence. Yahoo News reports that MockingJay Part 1 and MockingJay Part 2 will still be released on November 21, 2014 and November 20, 2015, in that order. Hoffman completed all filming on the first MockingJay movie last year. Additionally, he only had seven days left to complete shooting on the final one.

Hoffman joined The Hunger Games movies in the second film, Catching Fire. He played Plutarch Heavensbee. Fans of the book series knows how important Plutarch is to the storyline of the final book, so this forces the MockingJay Part 2 production team to figure out how to continue the storyline without Hoffman.

Lionsgate, the production company behind the Hunger Games movies, released an official statement to Hoffman’s family.

“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.”

In Hoffman’s career, he received four Oscar nominations. Some even speculated that the Hunger Games franchise might earn him another nomination. Hoffman attended the Sundance film festival last month to promote his new independent film God’s Pocket. No release date has been set for this film.

Hoffman was found dead in his NYC apartment from an alleged drug overdose. He leaves behind partner, Mimi O’Donnell, and their three children, Willa and Tallulah and Cooper.

Image Via Wikimedia Commons