'Mockingjay' News: Effie's Role Expanded and Philip Seymour Hoffman Will Not Be CGI'ed

Peter Craig, Nina Jacobson and Francis LawrenceThere's a wealth of information about Mockingjay Part 1 on the new site, TheHungerGamesExclusive.com including confimation that Effie's role in the Mockingjay films has been expanded in the books - per Suzanne Collins! And that the oft-rumored use of CGI to recreate the late Philip Seymour Hoffman for his remaining scenes is not happening. Director Francis Lawrence, Producer Nina Jacobson and Screenwrighter Peter Craig sat down for a filmmaker roundtable to elaborate on everything from the newest cast members to a shocking Capitol escapee.

Another treat for fans? The Hanging Tree will be included in the film! Nina Jacobson says:

I’m excited about what these two dreamed up for ‘The Hanging Tree.’ Francis and Peter [Craig] came up with an incredible way of turning a powerful moment in the book into great big cinema.”

You can read the entire filmmaker roundtable at TheHungerGamesExclusive.com.

First Look at 'The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1'

We are thrilled to share the official DIGITAL FIRST LOOK at THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY – PART 1. With the debut of the new website TheHungerGamesExclusive.com, fans are given insider access to the most highly anticipated film of 2014: THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY – PART 1.

Series #1 features an exclusive look at District 13's President Coin, along with a video interview with Julianne Moore and a Q&A with director Francis Lawrence, producer Nina Jacobson, and screenwriter Peter Craig. Additionally, get first look images and behind-the-scene stills, an interactive sneak peek at a page from the film’s script, and the official motion poster.

Philip Seymour Hoffman as Plutarch Heavensbee and Julianne Moore as President CoinWoody Harrelson as Haymitch AbernathyJeffrey Wright as Beetee

US fans will also be given the chance to win an official page of the Mockingjay Part 1 script, featured on the site, signed by the cast and filmmakers by entering TheHungerGamesExplorer.com

There is SO much to explore on the new site, so head to TheHungerGamesExclusive.com for your all-access pass to the making of MOCKINGJAY!

New 'Catching Fire' Stills

Check out some new stills from The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. Wait, haven't I seen these before, you ask? Well, sort of. They are new angles on a few of the stills that have been previously released. Enjoy!

Source: MockingjayUpdates

Francis Lawrence Talks about the Loss of Philip Seymour Hoffman

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay director Francis Lawrence spoke with USA Today about the sudden loss of actor Philip Seymour Hoffman:

The Atlanta cast and crew of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay were devastated when they learned of cast member Phillip Seymour Hoffman's sudden death, says director Francis Lawrence.

"It was obviously very rough for all of us," Lawrence tells USA TODAY. "He was a friend. He was an amazing actor, an iconic actor. He was someone I really looked up to."

On the Atlanta set, filmmakers gave shocked and bereaved cast and crew members time to process their grief. "We shut down for a day to give people time to deal with the sudden shock of it all. And to try and sort of figure things out a little bit," says Lawrence.

After coming back to work, the entire cast and crew gathered for a special moment to pay respects to Hoffman.

"We as a cast and crew definitely honored him," says Lawrence. "We gathered everyone together and had a big moment for him. We still think about him every day. It's hard not to imagine him being here."

"It's something so sudden, so shocking," Lawrence added.

Hoffman starred as head gamemaker Plutarch Heavensbee in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. The Academy Award winner had been shooting his role in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1 and The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 2 in Atlanta. A European shoot was to follow.

Hoffman's death is not expected to affect therelease dates of Mockingjay, Part 1 on November 21and Mockingjay, Part 2 on November 20, 2015.

Lawrence said Hoffman was "mostly finished" with his work on the Mockingjay set.

"There was very, very little that was left. Even if (Hoffman) had a number of days left," says Lawrence. "Most of those moments were appearances in other scenes. Most of his dialogue was done."

Clearly, working with the loss of the key character will lead to some continued difficulties.

"We're still figuring some of that out," says Lawrence.

Cate Blanchett Dedicates Her BAFTA To Philip Seymour Hoffman

Cate Blanchett won Best Leading Actress at the BAFTAs on Sunday, and she dedicated her award to the late Philip Seymour Hoffman. Blanchett co-starred with Hoffman in The Talented Mr. Ripley.

Elizabeth Banks Talks Jennifer Lawrence & Playing Effie "She's One of My All Time Favorites"

Elizabeth Banks is currently supporting The Listerine 21 Day Challenge, which supports Oral Health America’s Smiles Across America program in their goal of connecting at-risk children with needed access to oral care. She snapped her own “Swish Selfie” on the red carpet at the launch of the challenge on Thursday to trigger an immediate donation of $21,000 to Oral Health America.

Talk at the Los Angeles event inevitably turned to Jennifer Lawrence, Mockingjay and Philip Seymour Hoffman:

So, speaking of things that ladies love, give us some inside scoop about hanging with JLaw?
Well, recently everyone surprised me on the set of Mockingjay with a birthday cake! That was really fun. And, of course, the first person to delve into my cake was Jennifer. I will say she’s a girl who likes to eat and I love that about her.

As far as the Hunger Games go, are there any surprises hardcore fans of the book won’t see coming?
Honestly, I can’t say anything about Mockingjay! Ahhh!! We’ll both end up hurt somewhere! I think the hardcore fans can expect exactly what both The Hunger Games and Catching Fire delivered, Mockingjay is going to be as faithful a rendition of Suzanne’s Collins’s world and books and characters as we can put out!

“I am almost done,” she said. “I’m going to miss playing Effie, she’s one of my all-time favorite characters. I have such a ball with her & this cast & I will miss it. It’s absorbing because we still put the movies out so we’ll still have our little reunions, which I’m looking forward to. I have two more years of getting reunited with all these wonderful people!”

And what was it like to work with Philip Seymour Hoffman?
I’d really rather not discuss it. He was an incredible actor that I respected greatly and I will miss tremendously.

Via HuffPost and Cosmo

Philip Seymour Hoffman on the Cover of Rolling Stone

Philip Seymour Hoffman graces Rolling Stone's next cover. Inside the issue, his closest friends remember "the greatest actor of a generation."

From Rolling Stone:

Hoffman's closest friends and colleagues remember the greatest actor of a generation in the new issue of Rolling Stone (on stands Friday), telling contributing editor David Browne intimate stories about an actor who "played those characters so well because he knew about guilt and shame and suffering," as one friend said. Here are five revelations from the story:

Hoffman's Death Didn't Come at the End of a "Downward Spiral"
The actor's closest confidants say if anything, "he was on an upward spiral," as Katz [David Bar Katz, another one of Hoffman's playwright friends, who found Hoffman in his apartment on February 2nd] tells us. Hoffman "believed you don't have to die with a needle in your arm to be a great artist," Guirgis says. The actor was still immersed in his craft with an intensity that could intimidate his castmates.

Friends Say Hoffman's Final Bender Wasn't a Suicidal Streak, But a Relapse Turned Deadly
"The addiction was always trying to find a way back in, and it started with the idea that the kid was an addict, and now he's an adult with incredible willpower," says Katz. (Hoffman checked himself into rehab at 22 after spending college at NYU partying hard). "He was a guy in his midforties who said to himself, 'I never had a drink in my adult life.' So maybe the adult thought he could handle it."

This issue of Rolling Stone will be out February 14th.

Philip Seymour Hoffman's Funeral Held Today in New York

According to The Guardian, the private funeral for Philip Seymour Hoffman was held in Manhattan today and attracted a sombre audience that included Meryl Streep, Cate Blanchett, Ethan Hawke, Louis CK, Ellen Burstyn and Spike Lee. The list of mourners also included Michelle Williams, Julianne Moore, Joaquin Phoenix, Mary Louise Parker, John Slattery, Jerry Stiller, Marisa Tomei, Diane Sawyer and her director husband, Mike Nichols.

The ceremony was being held at the Church of St Ignatius Loyola, the same limestone church that hosted the funerals of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Lena Horne and Aaliyah. The 1898 Baroque-style marble interior is reminiscent of a Roman basilica.

A larger memorial service is being planned for later this month. On Thursday evening, family and close friends gathered for a private wake at the Frank E Campbell Funeral Home in Manhattan.

The theatre community mourned the actor on Wednesday with a candlelit vigil outside his beloved Labyrinth Theatre Company and Broadway’s marquee lights were turned off for a minute.

EW's Latest Cover: Philip Seymour Hoffman's Life & Legacy

Entertainment Weekly's February 14th cover will feature Philip Seymour Hoffman, who died tragically on Sunday of a suspected drug overdose. The cover story pays tribute to Hoffman, widely considered the greatest screen and stage actor of his generation.

Film critic Owen Gleiberman traces the arc of the Oscar-winning actor’s tragically curtailed career, exploring his ability, in role after role, to plumb his own depths to bring often deeply flawed characters to vivid life and to “lay bare the things that make people tick” — an emotionally wrenching process that clearly took a personal toll on the actor. We look back at Hoffman’s 10 most essential film performances — including his acclaimed work in movies like Capote, Doubt, and Boogie Nights, as well as lesser-known gems from throughout his career — and look ahead to the various projects he was working on at the time of his death, including the final installments in the Hunger Games franchise.

Director Brett Ratner, a fellow NYU film school student of Hoffman’s who later worked with the actor on the film Red Dragon, contributes a personal remembrance, while other friends and fellow actors and filmmakers offer their own tributes to Hoffman as both an artist and a man. “He was the warmest, most generous person and just overflowing with love and affection for his friends and family,” says actor Todd Louiso, a longtime friend of Hoffman’s who directed him in the 2002 film Love Liza. “I know the past two years have been really rough for him. To find out [about his death] doesn’t really compute to me. It just shows how strong that disease [of addiction] is.”

This issue of Entertainment Weekly is on stands Friday.

Philip Seymour Hoffman's Rep Releases Follow-Up Statement About His Funeral

Oscar-winning actor Philip Seymour Hoffman, who died at age 46 on Sunday, will be laid to rest during a private funeral service to be attended by family and friends, his rep Karen Samfilippo says in a statement obtained by USA TODAY.

"There will be a private funeral service held in N.Y. for the family and close friends of Philip Seymour Hoffman," the statement reads.

A date for the services was not specified.

"Plans are also underway for a memorial service later in the month also to be held in N.Y. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Phil's name to two charities that were very close to his heart: The DreamYard Project and the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. The family wishes to thank everyone for their continued support and good wishes."

Philip Seymour Hoffman Had One "Emotional" Scene Left to Film for 'Mockingjay Part 2'

Philip Seymour Hoffman and Woody Harrelson in Catching Fire

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Philip Seymour Hoffman had one major, emotional scene left to film in the final installment of the Hunger Games series, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2. THR spoke with a Lionsgate executive who said, "We’re all extraordinarily sad. But as it relates to production, it’s going to have no impact. Obviously, we're going to have a couple of work-around issues but the movie will be creatively whole. His performances in both [remaining] movies will be up to the best of his craft. We feel it will be a good tribute to him."

Hoffman died tragically on Sunday of an apparent drug overdose.

The Lionsgate executive would not expand on the crucial scene that remains to be shot. But fans can certainly guess what scene it might be. Lionsgate previously stated that the actor had about a week of filming left on Mockingjay Part 2. The final film in the series is set for release in November 2015.

A source with ties to the project said that with the exception of one major scene in the final film, "they seem to have plans that don’t seem very complicated" to complete both pictures without Hoffman. "You can do digital things, you can have conversations where you’re not focusing on him but the people he’s talking to," this observer said.

Rob Legato, a veteran effects supervisor whose latest credit is The Wolf of Wall Street, says he has no specific knowledge about the Hunger Games films but at this point, technology is most likely good enough to generate a convincing image of Hoffman, though some scenes might need to be rewritten. "These days the technology of using someone's likeness is a whole lot easier to do," he said. "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."

On a personal note:

The LAST thing we want to do is be insensitive in reporting this information. A man has died tragically which is completely devastating to his loved ones and fans and, obviously, this is the most important part of any story about Philip Seymour Hoffman. We are providing information, which is our commitment to you as a Hunger Games fan site. It's completely natural for people to be curious about what happens next, and we're simply providing that information to the numerous fans who have repeatedly asked us for it.

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.”

Philip Seymour Hoffman Found Dead at 46

I can't believe I'm writing this horrible headline. Oscar-winning actor Philip Seymour Hoffman has been found dead of an apparent drug overdose in his New York apartment today. He was 46.

Law enforcement officials said Hoffman was found dead at his apartment in the West Village neighborhood of Manhattan. Investigators found two bags of what is believed to be heroin inside the fourth-floor apartment. According to the Wall Street Journal, the actor was found in his bathroom around 11:15 a.m. by a screenwriter, who called 911, the official said.

"We are devastated by the loss of our beloved Phil and appreciate the outpouring of love and support we have received from everyone. This is a tragic and sudden loss and we ask that you respect our privacy during this time of grieving," Hoffman's family said in a statement. "Please keep Phil in your thoughts and prayers."

With great sadness, we mourn the death of an amazing actor and our wonderful Plutarch Heavensbee. Our hearts go out to his loved ones at this horrific time.

New York Magazine's Interview with Francis Lawrence

New York Magazine published an article on the recent surge in popularity of the Young Adult genre. In addition to several others, Catching Fire director Francis Lawrence was included in those being interviewed - and of course, there are a couple bits about the upcoming film.

A few popular YA books have struggled recently as film adaptations, like Mortal Instruments and Beautiful Creatures. Why does Hunger Games work?
Author Suzanne Collins was raised in a military family, so she grew up learning about the consequences of war. Even though it’s sort of an alternate world, it’s still relatable.

You have all these pedigree actors coming in, from Philip Seymour Hoffman in Catching Fire to Julianne Moore in Mockingjay. You could have had no-name actors, and the fans would have accepted that.
If you can have Philip Seymour Hoffman, get Philip Seymour Hoffman! And he loved the books, so he signed on. Same with Jeffrey Wright. Same with Julianne. If you can just get those amazing actors, then that’s 80 percent of my job.

The first film skimped a little on showing us the strategy behind the Katniss-Peeta love story. 
I felt the same. I felt the love story in general was, um, a bit buried in the first one. I wanted to bring the love story to the surface. And when I say love story, I mean the triangle.

Happy Birthday Woody Harrelson & Philip Seymour Hoffman

A big Happy Birthday to our Haymitch and our Plutarch! Woody Harrelson and Philip Seymour Hoffman celebrate their birthdays today. Our best to both of these amazing actors!

Rumor: 'Catching Fire' at Cannes?

Showbiz 411 is reporting that there could be some footage shown and some kind of presentation for Catching Fire at the Cannes Film Festival May 15-26, 2013.

 

From Showbiz 411:

But what else? I can tell you exclusively that at least footage and some kind of presentation will be made for the second chapter of The Hunger Games, called Catching Fire. This is a good way to get newly crowned Best Actress Jennifer Lawrence into Cannes, along with castmates like Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Stanley Tucci, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Toby Jones.

This is a rumor until confirmed by Lionsgate. 

The Hunger Games Cast Parties On Oscar Night

Jennifer Lawrence wasn't the only Hunger Games cast member celebrating last night. Elizabeth Banks, Leven Rambin, and Philip Seymour Hoffman all made the rounds at the Oscar parties.

Elizabeth Banks and Philip Seymour Hoffman attended Vanity Fair's party at the Sunset Tower Hotel

Leven Rambin hit Elton John's Oscar viewing party at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood. 

Philip Seymour Hoffman On Catching Fire & The Importance of The Hunger Games

Agence France-Presse/Getty Image

We love this post on Philip Seymour Hoffman in the Wall Street Journal's Speakeasy blog. Of course you all know he's playing Plutarch Heavensbee, Head Gamemaker in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. But it was wonderful to read what a fan he is of Suzanne Collins' books and how committed he is to the story.

From the Wall Street Journal:

“It’s unbelievable what this woman has done,” the actor said in an interview. “She literally tells our modern history of war and the awful things that have happened through these science-fiction novels. In the modern day, we send children off to die to protect our way of life, basically. It’s very powerful the way she does it.”

His amazement at Collins’s books made him say, “I’m in. I want to be a part of that,” he said. Despite the film’s bloody premise, he said the full story gives a very different message than simply “kids who kill each other.” According to him, if the films are done well, they are something kids should see.

Hoffman said since his role in the Catching Fire book isn’t very big — Plutarch Heavensbee takes over from Seneca Crane as Head Gamekmaker. But the film’s writers added more to his character. Then when he films Mockingjay, everything changes.

“I’m looking forward to the next two [films], because his job becomes very different,” Hoffman said of Plutarch’s role. “The story becomes very different and everyone will see what happens.”