How will Philip Seymour Hoffman’s death affect ‘Mockingjay,’ other projects?

MANILA, Philippines – The sudden death of accomplished actor Philip Seymour Hoffman of an alleged drug overdose has left the fate of some of his projects hanging. 

Hoffman was slated to appear in the final two installments of The Hunger Games film adaptations, in Mockingjay parts one and two. The Hollywood Reporter and Entertainment Weekly have reported that Hoffman’s work in part one was “largely wrapped” for Part one, and that Hoffman had only 7 days of shooting to go for part two. 

The reports also say that the release dates of parts one and two, in November 2014 and November 2015 respectively, are likely to remain unaffected by the tragedy. (READ: Philip Seymour Hoffman’s memorable roles)

Lionsgate, the distribution company that handles The Hunger Games movies, released a statement saying, “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.”

E! News also published this joint statement from Mockingjay director Francis Lawrence, lead actress Jennifer Lawrence, The Hunger Games trilogy author Suzanne Collins, and the film’s producers Nina Jacobson and Jon Kilik, on behalf of the cast and crew of the Mockingjay movies: “Words cannot convey the devastating loss we are all feeling right now. Philip was a wonderful person and an exceptional talent, and our hearts are breaking. Our deepest thoughts and condolences go out to his family.”

(READ: Philip Seymour Hoffman, ‘greatest character actor of his time’) 

More projects

Philip Seymour Hoffman was also reportedly working on a directorial project and a TV show as well. 

In a story dated just February 1, screendaily.com reported that A-list actors Jake Gyllenhaal and Amy Adams had signed up for Hoffman’s second directorial feature, called Ezekiel Moss, about a man who appears to be able to speak to the dead. The Hollywood Reporter has reported that Exclusive Media, the company handling the international rights to the film, has announced that it would first be “re-grouping to explore the next steps for the film in light of Hoffman’s death.”

Back in January, The Hollywood Reporter also reported that Hoffman would star in a series called Happyish, for cable channel Showtime. THR also reported that according their sources, Happyish was not yet in production – although the cast and concept had been lined up and the script was “in the process of being written.” – Rappler.com