Philip Seymour Hoffman’s death has left the final films for “The Hunger Games” franchise in a difficult situation, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Lionsgate sources told THR Hoffman had one “major” scene left to film for “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2”, which has left the studio with a difficult task as to how they will handle the scene to “satisfy” fans.
However, the insider reassured that fans will see the final two “The Hunger Games” films will hit theaters on their schedules launch dates.
"We’re all extraordinarily sad," a Lionsgate executive told THR. "But as it relates to production, it’s going to have no impact. Obviously, we're going to have a couple of work-around issues but the movie will be creatively whole. His performances in both [remaining] movies will be up to the best of his craft. We feel it will be a good tribute to him."
The Lionsgate source didn’t divulge which scene Hoffman was unable to finish for “Mockingjay Part 2”, but said the studio has a simple solution to complete the projects. However, some scenes may need to a rewritten because of Hoffman’s death.
"You can do digital things, you can have conversations where you’re not focusing on him but the people he’s talking to," the source told THR.
Veteran effects supervisor Rob Legato told THR he has no knowledge of Lionsgate’s plans regarding Hoffman’s scenes, but a digital image of the actor isn’t out of the question.
"These days the technology of using someone's likeness is a whole lot easier to do," Legato told THR. "I won't say you could generate a Philip Seymour Hoffman with all the acting ability, but you could certainly replicate him for a shot or two."
According to multiple reports, Hoffman died of an apparent drug overdose on Feb. 2.
"Mockingjay: Part 1" hits theaters on Nov. 21 while "Mockingjay: Part 2" will be released on Nov. 20, 2015.
