Josh Hutcherson Reveals What to Expect From ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’

Josh Hutcherson has spoken openly about how he felt during the peak of The Hunger Games fame and how his view of the franchise has changed over time. He discussed his experience in a conversation with Elizabeth Banks as part of Variety and CNN’s Actors on Actors series.

Hutcherson became widely known for playing Peeta Mellark in The Hunger Games films, which ran from 2012 to 2015. The franchise turned him into a global star while he was still very young, and he said it was a difficult experience at first. Looking back, he admitted that the sudden attention was overwhelming and not something he was prepared for.

He explained, “I was 19. I didn’t do college, so college for me was shooting those movies and growing up with them. It’s so long ago.” He also spoke about the pressure that came with becoming famous so quickly. He said, “It was such a massive machine, and it was such a formative time of my life.”

Hutcherson admitted that for a long time, he struggled with how the franchise affected his life. He said, “Fame was never on my radar — and then I was thrust into that world in such a big way. It was a lot.” He also revealed that his feelings were not always positive in the early years. He said, “For a long time, I was resentful toward it, because I didn’t want that kind of attention.”

However, his perspective has changed over time. He now sees the franchise in a more positive light and appreciates what it gave him. He said that with distance and maturity, he has come to understand its importance in his life and career.

During the same conversation, Hutcherson also spoke about the future of The Hunger Games world, especially the upcoming film The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. He expressed support for the continuation of the franchise in a new form and with a new generation of characters.

He said he is excited to see the story continue and believes the themes of the series are still relevant today. He noted that the books and films continue to connect with modern issues, especially ideas around power and control. He said the story still feels timely and important for younger audiences.

Hutcherson explained, “The new book’s amazing. It’s cool to see it continue with a different generation and different stories.” He also added that the themes of the series still matter in the real world, saying they reflect ongoing problems in society.

While he did not reveal any involvement in the new project, his comments showed clear support for its direction. He focused more on how the franchise has grown beyond its original cast and how it continues to reach new audiences.

For Hutcherson, revisiting The Hunger Games now feels different compared to when it first began. He said the experience shaped his life in many ways, even if it was difficult at times. Over the years, he has moved from feeling overwhelmed by fame to appreciating the role the franchise played in his career.

His comments about Sunrise on the Reaping highlight that shift. Instead of focusing on his personal experience, he now looks at the bigger picture and the future of the story world that made him a global star.

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