Elizabeth Banks ‘In Shock’ Over Philip Seymour Hoffman’s Death

Elizabeth Banks has admitted that she is still “processing” Philip Seymour Hoffman’s death, and that her Hunger Games co-star will be “terribly” missed.

Banks made the comments during her appearance on Wednesday’s Today Show, and the 39-year-old candidly noted that the announcement of Hoffman’s death on Sunday took her by great surprise.

“I’m still processing it,” she explained. “I really am in shock. He is an absolutely amazing actor, respected by everyone and part of our family at The Hunger Games. We will miss him terribly, and obviously, [we’re] really upset for his children and his partner. It’s just a tragedy.”

A statement was released on behalf of The Hunger Games cast and crew on Sunday, which read, “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 condolences go out to his family.”

Lionsgate films, the production company behind the franchise, also released their own statement commemorating Hoffman. “Philip Seymour Hoffman was a singular talent and one of the most gifted actors of our generation,” the studio solemnly noted. “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 was found dead in his apartment on Sunday from an alleged heroin overdose. The 46-year-old Oscar-winning actor had joined the Hunger Games franchise in 2013’s Catching Fire. He played Plutarch Heavensbee, the head gamemaker, alongside Banks’ District 12 escort, Effie Trinket.

The Capote actor is set to feature prominently in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Parts 1 and 2, and even though much of his scenes for Part 1 have been completed, Hoffman still had a full week of shooting for Part 2 to finish before his untimely passing.

Movie scholars have spent the past few days pondering how Hoffman’s final few scenes will be completed.

There had been some concern that the final two Hunger Games movies might need to be shot with a new actor. However, Lionsgate have now confirmed that he will actually one miss one integral scene, and CGI will instead be used to replicate his appearance.

Rob Legato, an effects supervisor, told The Hollywood Reporter, “These days the technology of using someone’s likeness is a whole lot easier to do. 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.”