Josh Hutcherson The Hunger Games, Josh Hutcherson attends HBO's "I Love LA" FYC Panel
Josh Hutcherson.
Josh Hutcherson is opening up about spending his formative years filming The Hunger Games
Hutcherson spoke to his costar from the film, Elizabeth Banks, in a recent interview for Variety's Actors on Actors series
Hutcherson played Peeta Mellark in the films
For Josh Hutcherson, growing up happened on the set of The Hunger Games, which he filmed as a teenager.
During a conversation with former costar Elizabeth Banks for Variety’s Actors on Actors series, 33-year-old Hutcherson reflected on filming the blockbuster franchise as a teenager and young adult, describing the experience as his version of college.
Looking back on those years, Banks remembered returning to set and being struck by the energy of the younger cast members. “I remember coming back and you guys were like this feral gang of young people,” Banks, 52, said. “That's what it felt like.”
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Josh Hutcherson as 'Peeta Mellark' in Hunger Games
Josh Hutcherson as 'Peeta Mellark' in Hunger Games
Hutcherson, 33, agreed, noting that he was still in his teens when production began on the adaptation of the book series.
“Well, I mean, I think I was like 19,” he said. “Like it was like that was my — I didn't do college and so like college for me was shooting those movies.”
The actor added: “And kind of growing up with them, but that was so long ago."
Released between 2012 and 2015, the four-film franchise was based on the bestselling novels by Suzanne Collins and became a worldwide phenomenon.
Hutcherson starred as Peeta Mellark opposite Jennifer Lawrence’s Katniss Everdeen, while Banks portrayed the flamboyant Capitol escort Effie Trinket. The cast also included Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Stanley Tucci and Donald Sutherland.
Banks said she often felt protective of the younger actors during filming. “I felt like your auntie,” she recalled, adding: "I was everyone's auntie.”
As the franchise progressed, however, she found herself settling into the experience. “And then we really — I really got to like relax and have fun on the second one,” Banks said. “There were a lot more adults my age.”
In December 2025, multiple outlets reported that Lawrence, 35, and Hutcherson are expected to reprise their roles in the upcoming 2026 prequel Sunrise on the Reaping, which will debut in theaters on Nov. 20. However, specifics behind their potential appearance in the movie are under wraps.