One of Philip Seymour Hoffman‘s final film performances is returning to the big screen. The $755 million blockbuster will give audiences a chance to revisit the dystopian franchise in theaters.
The special screening of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 is part of a five-film event celebrating the franchise ahead of Sunrise on the Reaping. Lionsgate and Fathom Entertainment are bringing all five existing Hunger Games movies back to theaters from September 3-7. The film takes its turn in the marathon on September 5.
Released in 2014, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 moved the story away from the arena and into an open rebellion. Katniss Everdeen, played by Jennifer Lawrence, finds herself in District 13 following the events of Catching Fire and reluctantly becomes the public face of the fight against President Snow.
The film was a major commercial success, grossing $766.6 million worldwide on a reported budget of $125 million. It currently holds a 70% Tomatometer score and a 71% Popcornmeter score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Philip Seymour Hoffman’s role in The Hunger Games
Hoffman returned as Plutarch Heavensbee, the former Head Gamemaker who is secretly working against the Capitol. After helping Katniss escape the arena in Catching Fire, Heavensbee becomes a key figure in the rebellion.
Heavensbee works closely with District 13 President Alma Coin and helps shape Katniss into the rebellion’s Mockingjay. Plutarch understands that the rebellion cannot win through military action alone. It also needs propaganda, television broadcasts, and a symbol powerful enough to unite the districts.
Hoffman passed away in February 2014 while The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 was still in production. The filmmakers rewrote his two remaining substantial scenes and gave them to other actors rather than recasting Plutarch.
Other notable cast members of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 include Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Julianne Moore, Jeffrey Wright, and Donald Sutherland.