Philip Seymour Hoffman Was Nearly Finished Shooting 'Mockingjay'

Variety is reporting that Philip Seymour Hoffman was nearly finished shooting his portion of Mockingjay Parts 1 & 2:

With Hollywood still in shock over the death of Philip Seymour Hoffman, Lionsgate was forced to consider how it will move forward with the industry’s most lucrative franchise now, The Hunger Games, which currently is in production on its final two installments, Mockingjay Parts 1 & 2.

Hoffman, who was found dead Sunday morning in New York of an apparent drug overdose, joined the hit franchise in its most recent installment, Catching Fire, playing the game master Plutarch Heavensbee. That film grossed a giant $860 million at the worldwide box office.

According to Lionsgate, the majority of Hoffman’s scenes had been completed, with just seven days left to shoot on Mockingjay — Part 2.

Release dates (Nov. 21 and Nov. 20, 2015) for either installment will not be affected, Lionsgate said.

The Mockingjay shoot began in September in Atlanta and is planned to last into the spring, before shifting to Berlin and Paris for a month, ending in May. Both installments are shooting simultaneously.

Additionally, Lionsgate released a statement saying, “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.”

Hoffman’s part in the last Hunger Games became more significant by the end of the film, though it still was a supporting role.

UPDATE: Jennifer Lawrence, Mockingjay director Francis Lawrence, author Suzanne Collins, and producers Nina Jacobson and Jon Kilik released a joint statement following the news of Hoffman’s death.

“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.”

Natalie Dormer one of L.A. Times "Faces To Watch in 2014"

Natalie Dormer, who will play Cressida in Mockingjay Parts 1 & 2, has just been named one of Los Angeles Times' "Faces to Watch in 2014."

From L.A. Times:

Audiences familiar with Natalie Dormer are probably accustomed to seeing her dressed up in royal garb, from the flowing gowns of Anne Boleyn on the Showtime series "The Tudors" to the ornate dresses of would-be queen Margaery Tyrell on HBO's "Game of Thrones." Next November, the 31-year-old British actress will show a different side as Cressida, the intrepid documentary filmmaker and revolutionary in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 1, the first installment of the series' two-part finale.

"It's such a departure for me," Dormer said, speaking on the telephone from Britain. "At the moment, people think of me in long skirts, with long brunet hair, so [it's a change] to be running around in combat trousers and flat army boots."

A role in the blockbuster series, which Dormer will reprise for "Part 2" in 2015, could spell a new level of fame for the actress, who in addition to "Game of Thrones" this year appeared in the Formula 1 racing drama "Rush" and the Ridley Scott thriller "The Counselor." She has also completed work on "Posh," director Lone Scherfig's adaptation of the Laura Wade play about an elite social club at Oxford University, as well as the indie dramas "Fencewalker" and "A Long Way From Home."

OFFICIAL: Lily Rabe is Commander Lyme in 'Mockingjay 1 & 2'

It's official! Lily Rabe has been cast as Commander Lyme in Mockingjay Parts 1 & 2. Probably best known for her roles in seasons 1 and 2 of American Horror Story, Rabe is also the daughter of the late actress Jill Clayburgh and Tony Award-winning playwright and screenwriter David Rabe.

If you need a little Mockingjay refresher course, Commander Lyme is a former Victor from District 2 who leads the rebellion in D2. From Mockingjay:

"The commander from 2, a middle aged woman named Lyme. She’s memorable enough, standing over six feet tall and heavily muscled. But it’s only when I see a clip of her in the field, leading a raid on the main entrance of the Nut, that something clicks and I realize I’m in the presence of another victor."