Josh Hutcherson says he was ‘angry’ about 'Hunger Games' fame for years

The actor reflected on the pressures of sudden stardom and how his perspective on the franchise has evolved over time

Josh Hutcherson is looking back on the massive success of The Hunger Games with a new perspective.

During Variety's Actors on Actors conversation with former co-star Elizabeth Banks, Hutcherson reflected on the challenges that came with starring as Peeta Mellark in the blockbuster franchise.

The actor revealed that the sudden rise to global fame was difficult to navigate at a young age and left him feeling resentful for years.

“It was such a massive machine, and it was such a formative time of my life,” Hutcherson said. “I’m from a small town in Kentucky. I started acting when I was a kid because I liked the idea of making movies. Fame was never on my radar, and then I was thrust into that world in such a big way.”

Banks, who portrayed Effie Trinket in the franchise, described watching Hutcherson, Jennifer Lawrence and Liam Hemsworth become overnight stars as “watching a supernova take off.”

Hutcherson admitted the attention was overwhelming.

“For a long time, I was resentful toward it, because I didn’t want that kind of attention,” he said. “So I was chip-on-my-shoulder angry about it.”

Now, more than a decade after the first film's release, the actor says his feelings have changed.

“With years of perspective, I have grown to appreciate it so much,” he added.

The conversation also touched on the future of the franchise, with Hutcherson praising the latest Hunger Games novel and expressing enthusiasm about seeing the series continue with a new generation of characters.

“It’s cool to see it continue with a different generation and different stories,” he said.

Elsewhere in the interview, Hutcherson discussed his Apple TV+ comedy I Love L.A., while Banks reflected on balancing acting, directing and motherhood throughout her career.