Josh Hutcherson Would Return to ‘The Hunger Games’ in a ‘Heartbeat’  

In the 2010s, Josh Hutcherson assumed his position as a bonafide teen heartthrob when he took on the role of Peeta Mellark in the film adaptations of “The Hunger Games.” The series, based on the hit novels written by Suzanne Collins, follows Hutcherson’s Mellark as the companion and love interest of the fiery Katniss Everdeen, played by Oscar-winner Jennifer Lawrence. Across four movies, Katniss and Peeta battle other teenagers to the death, begin a revolution against a totalitarian government and fall in love. Prior to his tenure as Peeta, Hutcherson starred in films like “Bridge to Terabithia” and “Journey to the Center of the Earth.”

Ten years after the release of “Mockingjay: Part 2,” Hutcherson spoke with Variety about the trajectory of his career and reflected on his time working on the “The Hunger Games” franchise. 

Josh Hutcherson Would ‘Love’ to be Back on Set

When questioned about “The Hunger Games,” Hutcherson’s face “lit up” at the mention of making a new film for the series. He proclaimed that he would “love” to reunite with fellow cast members Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth and Woody Harrelson as well as director Francis Lawrence, who has helmed the films since “Catching Fire.” 

“It would not take any convincing at all. I’d be there in a heartbeat,” he said of returning to set for another “The Hunger Games” movie. The franchise’s most recent on-screen release was 2023’s “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” starring Rachel Zegler and Tom Blythe. Hutcherson, however, has not worked on the series since 2015.

Hutcherson is Booked and Busy 

This winter, Hutcherson can be found on your television and the silver screen in HBO’s “I Love L.A.” and the upcoming “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2,” respectively. In “I Love L.A.” he stars as series creator Rachel Sennott’s “Good Guy” boyfriend, Dylan; while the second “Five Nights at Freddy’s” film sees Hutcherson return as Mike, a security guard and protective older brother. 

Hutcherson also hinted at a possible appearance in “Sunrise on the Reaping,” the second “The Hunger Games” prequel, which is set to hit theaters next November. Lionsgate recently released a teaser trailer for the film, showing a cast of new faces and the dystopian world of Panem in its most saturated colors yet. When discussing the possibility of appearing in the upcoming film, Hutcherson said it would be a “dream come true” before ominously remarking that dreams “sometimes” do come true. 

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