Philip Seymour Hoffman's "Hunger Games" Legacy to Live On

The late actor starred as Plutarch Heavensbee in "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire," a character who becomes vital in the final book, "Mockingjay."

Lionsgate made the decision to split the book into two separate movies, one due out this year and the other due out in November 2015.

And, while that second release date is very far away, we're told Hoffman's work was "substantially" complete for the first film and was just seven days shy of completion for Part 2.

The actor's death will not affect the release dates for either film, though it sounds like his role will have to be scaled back a bit in the final one of the franchise. It does not seem like they'll need to recast the role.

"Philip Seymour Hoffman was a singular talent and one of the most gifted actors of our generation," Lionsgate says in a 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."

Director Francis Lawrence, writer Suzanne Collins, producer Nina Jacobson and star Jennifer Lawrence also issued a group statement, on behalf of the cast and crew of the films.

"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."

Costar Sam Claflin, who plays Finnick in the films, also expressed his condolences on Twitter. And he's not alone -- see even more celeb reactions here.