The ongoing conversation about the originality of The Hunger Games franchise reignited when Quentin Tarantino recently criticized it for drawing heavily from Battle Royale. Josh Hutcherson, known for his role as Peeta Mellark in the series, has addressed this Quentin Tarantino Hunger Games criticism following renewed attention to the debate.
Hutcherson Speaks Up After Tarantino Raises Plagiarism Concerns
Quentin Tarantino revisited his critical stance on The Hunger Games during an interview on The Bret Easton Ellis Podcast. While ranking his top movies of the century, Tarantino listed Battle Royale just outside his top ten and openly questioned the originality of Suzanne Collins’ works. He argued that The Hunger Games borrowed significantly from the earlier Japanese story.
Sharing pointed remarks, Tarantino said,
“I do not understand how the Japanese writer didn’t sue Suzanne Collins for every f—— thing she owns,”
and,
“They just ripped off the f—— book! … As soon as the film critics saw the film, they said, ‘What the f—! This is just ‘Battle Royale’ except PG!”
— Quentin Tarantino, Director
Hutcherson Highlights Shared Influences in Entertainment
Josh Hutcherson addressed the controversy when he spoke with Variety at the premiere for Five Nights at Freddy’s 2. Acknowledging the debate on borrowed themes, Hutcherson said,
“There are similar themes, for sure. But, you know, everyone borrows from everyone.”
— Josh Hutcherson, Actor
Hutcherson’s perspective suggests he recognizes the thematic parallels raised by Quentin Tarantino and film critics, yet sees the use of shared concepts as a broader trend in popular culture. His comments came just as Lionsgate and the larger Hunger Games franchise returned to the spotlight with news of an upcoming prequel film.
Excitement Builds for the Hunger Games Prequel
With Lionsgate releasing a first teaser for The Hunger Games: Sunrise of the Reaping, interest in Suzanne Collins’ series has swelled once again. Although Hutcherson has not watched the teaser or read the book it adapts, he remains enthusiastic about the franchise’s evolution.
“I’m so excited to see the series continue and the amazing cast they’ve gotten for it,”
— Josh Hutcherson, Actor
Hutcherson’s character, Peeta Mellark, appears briefly in the source novel for the new prequel, though Hutcherson has not confirmed any involvement with the film version. As fans speculate about casting and storyline shifts, the discussion on original inspiration and what constitutes creative borrowing is set to remain a focal point.
The Quentin Tarantino Hunger Games criticism highlights ongoing questions around influence and originality in storytelling, especially as long-standing franchises like The Hunger Games continue to grow with new additions from Lionsgate and Suzanne Collins. Both criticism and anticipation signal the continued relevance and impact of Collins’ world, with attention now focused on how the series moves forward.
