“Hunger Games” franchise star Josh Hutcherson responded to director Quentin Tarantino’s recent claim that the original young-adult book series by Suzanne Collins “ripped off” the 1999 Japanese novel and subsequent film adaptation “Battle Royale.” Upon being asked about Tarantino’s harsh take by Variety at the premiere of Hutcherson’s new horror film “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2,” the actor responded with, “There are similar themes, for sure. But, you know, everyone borrows from everyone.”
Tarantino— who has long been a champion of “Battle Royale” — made his comments on “The Bret Easton Ellis Podcast” in November, while listing his favorite films from the 21st century. “Battle Royale” came in 12th on the director’s list, and he elaborated on the property’s similarities to “The Hunger Games.”
“I do not understand how the Japanese writer didn’t sue Suzanne Collins for every fucking thing she owns,” Tarantino said. “They just ripped off the fucking book! Stupid book critics are not going to go watch a Japanese movie called ‘Battle Royale,’ so the stupid book critics never called her out on it. They talked about how it was the most original thing they’d ever fucking read. As soon as the film critics saw the film they said, ‘What the fuck! This is just “Battle Royale” except PG!’”
Hutcherson played Peeta, a love interest and fellow Games competitor to Jennifer Lawrence’s lead Katniss, across the first four “Hunger Games” films.
A new “Hunger Games” prequel, “Sunrise of the Reaping,” debuted its first teaser in November, a year ahead of its 2026 release. When asked about the footage, Hutcherson said that he hasn’t seen the trailer yet, nor read the book it is based on.
“I’m so excited to see the series continue and the amazing cast they’ve gotten for it,” Hutcherson said. In the “Sunrise of the Reaping” book, Peeta makes an appearance at the end of the novel in a flashforward; Hutcherson hasn’t confirmed that he has any involvement with the film adaptation though.
Hutcherson reprises his leading role as Mike Schmidt in “Five Nights At Freddy’s 2,” a sequel to the 2023 Blumhouse adaptation of the popular horror game franchise. Directed by Emma Tammi, the sequel also sees Elizabeth Lail, Piper Rubio, Matthew Lillard and Theodus Crane return from the first film and introduces Freddy Carter, Skeet Ulrich, Mckenna Grace, Teo Briones and Wayne Knight to the franchise. The film hits theaters Friday.
