Philip Seymour Hoffman's death will not delay The Hunger Games release dates

The actor had almost completed work on the blockbuster franchise

Philip Seymour Hoffman starring alongside Woody Harrelson in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. The next instalments of the franchise are set to continue as planned following the former's death on Sunday. (Rex Features)

Philip Seymour Hoffman has been honoured as a cinematic chameleon for his extensive, Oscar-winning career, but he most recently starred in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.

Hoffman, who was found dead from an apparent drugs overdose on Sunday, played head gamemaker Plutarch Heavensbee in the hit franchise.

The 46-year old actor had completed filming for the next instalment, Mockingjay: Part 1, and had 'only seven days remaining to shoot' on Part 2, according to industry insider The Hollywood Reporter.

Hoffman's minor character takes a more prominent part in the final two episodes as Heavensbee becomes a commander of District 13's rebel forces.

The films’ scheduled November 2014 and 2015 release dates are believed to be unaffected by Hoffman’s death, but some rewriting will be required.

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An official statement from director Francis Lawrence, author Suzanne Collins, lead star Jennifer Lawrence and producers Nina Jacobson and Jon Kilik said: “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.”

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Hoffman’s co-stars past and present have been sending their condolences. "This is a horrible day for those who worked with Philip. He was a giant talent. Out hearts are open for his family," said Tom Hanks, who starred alongside him in Charlie Wilson's War.

John Hurt, who acted opposite Hoffman in Owning Mahowny honoured his "massive" contribution at the London Critics' Circle Film Awards on Sunday night.

Other celebrities took to Twitter to post message of sadness at the news.

Lionsgate Films, the production company behind The Hunger Games, released a statement paying tribute to a “singular talent and one of the most gifted actors of our generation”. “We’re very fortunate that he graced our Hunger Games family,” it read.

Unfortunately, The Hunger Games is not the only project facing an uncertain future following Hoffman's untimely death.

The actor, who won an Academy Award for his role as writer Truman Capote in 2005's Capote, had been cast in the lead for a new Showtime comedy series called Happyish.

Hoffman had also finished work on another two films, God's Pocket and A Most Wanted Man, both of which will be released posthumously.

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