Hunger Games Star Dismisses Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Ripped Off’ Claims

The longtime debate over similarities between The Hunger Games and Battle Royale resurfaced after Quentin Tarantino accused Suzanne Collins’ franchise of lifting ideas from the Japanese novel and film. Now, original Hunger Games star Josh Hutcherson has weighed in.

Josh Hutcherson addresses Quentin Tarantino’s Hunger Games criticism

Hunger Games fans received a fresh arc of discourse after Quentin Tarantino revisited his criticism of the series during an appearance on The Bret Easton Ellis Podcast. While listing his favorite films of the 21st century, the director placed Battle Royale at No. 12 and argued that Collins’ bestselling YA series took liberally from the Japanese property.

Tarantino did not mince words. “I do not understand how the Japanese writer didn’t sue Suzanne Collins for every f—— thing she owns,” he said. “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!”

Josh Hutcherson, who played Peeta Mellark across all four Hunger Games films, responded when asked about the director’s remarks at the premiere of Five Nights at Freddy’s 2. Speaking to Variety, Hutcherson said, “There are similar themes, for sure. But, you know, everyone borrows from everyone.”

Quentin Tarantino’s latest comments are consistent with his long-held admiration for Battle Royale. He has endorsed the 1999 novel and its 2000 film adaptation. Still, his renewed criticism resurfaced just as The Hunger Games franchise entered another cycle of attention thanks to Lionsgate’s upcoming prequel film.

With the first teaser for The Hunger Games: Sunrise of the Reaping already out, Hutcherson shared that he has not yet watched the footage or read the book the film adapts. Still, he shared his excitement for the franchise’s continuation.

“I’m so excited to see the series continue and the amazing cast they’ve gotten for it,” he said. In the novel, Peeta briefly appears in a flashforward, though Hutcherson has not confirmed whether he will return for the film version.

Source: Comingsoon.net