There is no doubt that Philip Seymour Hoffman’s incredibly sad and sudden death had the world reeling–he was one of the most iconic and brilliant actors of his generation. What we didn’t realize is that Hoffman was just beginning his takeover of the entertainment world with his announcement: he was going to headline a Showtime television comedy. Not only that, Hoffman was originally set to have a guest spot in tonight’s episode of Louie.

Tonight’s episode, entitled “Into the Woods,” guest stars Jeremy Renner as young Louie’s abusive father. Philip Seymour Hoffman would also have guest starred in an undetermined role. Renner commented on the sad matter.

“I just did a little bit on Louie that’s coming out next month. That was fun, and he’s a good dude. I was happy to do that, but it was like: in and out. I could go in for three days and have some fun and move on … Phil [Seymour] Hoffman was supposed to be in it, too. It’s about young Louie, so he isn’t even acting in it — he’s just directing it. Yeah, then Phil unfortunately passed, but I guess they were able to pull the episode together.”

Hoffman was also set to have the lead role in Happyish, a comedy show by Showtime, which was developed with Hoffman in mind, and directed by John Cameron Mitchell (the creator of Hedwig and the Angry Inch). Only a pilot was filmed, and it is unknown if we will ever get to see it, or if the network may retool the show with another performer in mind (but let’s be honest, no one can replace Philip Seymour Hoffman, and they shouldn’t try).

Hoffman’s appearance on the show would have been a great addition to the show’s list of guest stars, which includes comedy royalty (Sarah Silverman, Jerry Seinfeld), film stars (Jeremy Renner, Melissa Leo, Ellen Burstyn) and cult icons (David Lynch in one of the most memorable guest performances in TV history).

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