9 Feb – The late Philip Seymour Hoffman's pivotal role of Plutarch Heavensbee in the near future "The Hunger Games" films will be re-shot using CGI technology to replicate the actor's final scenes. Lionsgate have said that despite Hoffman's character, Plutarch Heavensbee holding a major role in the film franchise, his death will have 'no impact' on production and the final two movies will be released on time. "These days the technology of using someone's likeness is a whole lot easier to do," Rob Legato, an effects supervisor on major films including The Wolf of Wall Street, told The Hollywood Reporter.
"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. His performances in both remaining movies will be up to the best of his craft," the executive stated. "We feel it will be a good tribute to him." Many actors who have had an untimely death have had CGI work done for their movies before. Oliver Reed's final role in "Gladiator" was fleshed out with CGI after the British star died in a drinking competition on the island of Malta during filming in 2000. "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1" is expected to release in Malaysia on 20 November 2014.