Josh Hutcherson reflects on rejection and career challenges after 'The Hunger Games'

Josh Hutcherson discusses post–'Hunger Games' career, with early success followed by rejection and industry challenges

Josh Hutcherson has reflected on the transition from early success to navigating rejection in Hollywood, describing the shift he faced following his role in The Hunger Games franchise.

Speaking on Jesse Tyler Ferguson’s Dinner’s On Me podcast, Hutcherson discussed his experience moving from childhood stardom to the uncertainty that followed one of the industry’s biggest film series.

Hutcherson said he “didn’t learn rejection ever” during his early years in the business, explaining that he experienced consistent success “from the age 9 to, like, 24,” with The Hunger Games playing a major role.

He recalled the industry framing his position as secure, noting that he was told, “You’ve arrived. You now are working with Jennifer Lawrence and Philip Seymour Hoffman, and you’re in this movie that makes billions of dollars, you’re the second lead of the film.”

He said the period after the franchise proved different, describing the industry as “so goddamn tricky.” Hutcherson explained that although the films placed him at the forefront, he soon encountered a lack of opportunities.

“As quickly as they’re excited to get you into the spotlight, they want to not give you anything else in a way,” he said. He added that he first experienced “disappointment, failure, rejection” at around 24 or 25.

The actor recalled going to auditions but “not getting any offers,” noting that he had previously relied on the expectation that he would book roles after auditions. He reflected that this was no longer “the reality at all.”

Hutcherson was 18 when he first portrayed Peeta Mellark in 2012’s The Hunger Games and went on to reprise the role in three sequels, concluding with 2015’s Mockingjay — Part 1.

His subsequent credits include The Disaster Artist, Five Nights at Freddy’s and The Beekeeper. In 2025, he returned for the Five Nights at Freddy’s sequel and began starring as Dylan in HBO Max’s I Love LA.