Tragic Death of Philip Seymour Hoffman Brings Big Questions for ‘Hunger Games’

On Sunday morning, Hollywood lost one of its finest actors when Philip Seymour Hoffman, 46, died of an apparent heroin overdose. The results of an autopsy have yet to be determined but, as you've surely heard by now, he was found with a needle in his arm and bags of heroine all over his apartment. Moreover, Hoffman's estranged partner Mimi O'Donnell, the mother of his three children, told police the Oscar-winner seemed high when she last spoke to him on Saturday evening.

Obviously, this is a sad time for everyone in the industry and, really, anyone who likes movies. Actors of Hoffman's calibre are rare. Whether he had a small supporting roll or the lead, this guy never phoned it in and always brought something to the character.

However, in addition to mourning, the passing of Philip Seymour Hoffman also brings huge questions for one of Hollywood's hottest film franchises: The Hunger Games. Hoffman had just made his first appearance as Plutarch Heavensbee in Catching Fire, and as fans of the books know already, Heavensbee plays a prominent role in the installments yet to be released.

Lionsgate issued the following statement on Sunday afternoon:

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.

Absent from this statement, obviously, is any mention of how Hoffman's death might affect the film franchise. However, today the New York Daily News reported that, while the fate of Plutarch Heavensbee is unknown, an "inside source" said the release dates will not be affected by Hoffman's passing.

Unfortunately, that's really no consolation for...well, anyone.