Lionsgate: We Lost Philip Seymour Hoffman 'in His Prime'

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Philip Seymour Hoffman poses at Lionsgate's The Hunger Games: Catching Fire premiere in Los Angeles Nov. 18.

Image: Alexandra Wyman/Invision for Lionsgate/Associated Press

By Brian Anthony Hernandez2014-02-03 22:38:09 UTC

Lionsgate Entertainment, which produces the 'Hunger Games' films, has issued a statement addressing the recent death of actor Philip Seymour Hoffman, who plays one of the pivotal characters in the remaining two films in the franchise.

"Philip Seymour Hoffman was a singular talent and one of the most gifted actors of our generation," Lionsgate wrote in statement posted on the studio's Facebook page. "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."

Hoffman, who was 46, entered the series for last year's Catching Fire as gamemaker Plutarch Heavensbee. The character plays a central role in the story arc of the upcoming two films, which are slated to arrive in theaters on Nov. 21, 2014, and Nov. 20, 2015.

Philip

Lionsgate issued this statement a day after Philip Seymour died on Feb. 2. Mashable overlaid the statement onto this photo.

Image: Victoria Will/Associated Press

Lionsgate said Hoffman nearly finished shooting all of his scenes, as filming for the second Mockingjay film was heading into its final days before his death. The studio plans to move forward with releasing parts one and two as scheduled.

After his death, "Plutarch" became a worldwide trending topic on Twitter as fans honored Hoffman's life with Hunger Games quotes and photos. Many fans also were concerned the studio would replace him with another actor to complete the Mockingjay films.

Hoffman's family reportedly released this statement: “We are devastated by the loss of our beloved Phil and appreciate the outpouring of love and support we have received from everyone. This is a tragic and sudden loss and we ask that you respect our privacy during this time of grieving. Please keep Phil in your thoughts and prayers.”

Hoffman won Best Actor at the the 78th Academy Awards in 2006 for his portrayal of author Truman Capote in Capote, and his big break came in the 1997 Paul Thomas Anderson film Boogie Nights.

The Oscar winner "was found dead in his bathroom of an apparent drug overdose" in his New York City home, an official told Mashable, though NYC's Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will not confirm a cause of death until an autopsy is complete.

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