'Hunger Games: Mockingjay' Movie Release Date And Cast Updates: Philip Seymour Hoffman To Still Appear In The Film Sans Digital Imagery

With six months before the 'Hunger Games: Mockingjay' movie release date, some fans cannot help but question if Philip Seymour Hoffman will still be included in the film following his death last February 2 due to heroin overdose.

Director Francis Lawrence dished several 'Hunger Games: Mockingjay' movie release date and cast updates to Hunger Games Exclusive. According to Lawrence, the production team will not let go of Hoffman's finished scenes but the team will likewise not resort to digital imagery.

"I think he might have had eight to 10 days left on our schedule. In most of those scenes, Phil didn't have any dialogue. We are going to put him into those scenes, but we're only using real footage. We're not creating anything digital or a robotic version of him," Lawrence said.

Lawrence's interview contradicts Lionsgate's early statement which considered "computer-generated imagery" (CGI) to make up for Hoffman's incomplete scenes. On May 15, Lionsgate has released a picture of Hoffman's character, Plutarch Heavensbee, together with President Alma Coin (Julianne Moore).

Hoffman's character, Heavensbee, has been assigned to be the Hunger Games' Head Gamekeeper following the suicide of former gamekeeper Seneca Crane. In the film, Katniss Everdeen did not immediately trust Heavensbee because of his apparent alliance with President Coriolanus Snow.

However, by the end of 'Hunger Games: Catching Fire', the team discovers that Heavensbee is actually leading the rebellion against the Capitol.

While no recasting will take place, 'Hunger Games: Mockingjay' producer Nina Jacobson adds that some of the lines of Heavensbee might be given to other characters. Jacobson said that they'd distribute such lines only in circumstances that would not "undermine the intent of the scene."

Following Hoffman's death, Lionsgate quickly thanked the 46-year-old actor for his contribution to the successful film franchise: "We're very fortunate that he graced our 'Hunger Games' family."

The first part of the 'Hunger Games: Mockingjay' movie will be released on November 21.