In the wake of such tragic news as yesterday’s confirmation of Philip Seymour Hoffman’s passing , Hollywood scheduling issues seem more than a tad trivial, but the machine continues to roll on, with Lionsgate issuing a statement about the future of the Hunger Games films.
Hoffman starred as gamesmaker Plutarch Heavensbee in recent sequel Catching Fire , with the character set to reappear in both parts of the concluding episode, Mockingjay .
The studio has confirmed that Hoffman had already completed work on the first film, and had just nine days of filming to finish on the second installment.
Those nine days may yet prove problematic in bringing the story to a conclusion that stays faithful to the books, but according to the studio, the scheduled release dates will not change on either project.
“Philip Seymour Hoffman was a singular talent and one of the most gifted actors of our generation,” read the studio’s official statement. “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.”
Mockingjay Part 1 is scheduled to open in the UK on 21 November 2014, with Part 2 slated to arrive the following year on 20 November 2015.
