‘Everyone Takes Inspiration’: Hunger Games Star Responds to Quentin Tarantino’s Plagiarism Allegations

The debate surrounding the similarities between The Hunger Games and Battle Royale has reignited after Quentin Tarantino accused Suzanne Collins franchise of borrowing heavily from the Japanese novel and its film adaptation. Josh Hutcherson, the actor who portrayed Peeta Mellark in the film series, has now offered his perspective.

Josh Hutcherson Reacts to Tarantinos Critique

Hunger Games enthusiasts faced renewed discussion when Tarantino revisited his critique during an interview on The Bret Easton Ellis Podcast. While naming his favorite 21st-century films, the director ranked Battle Royale at number 12 and claimed that Collins bestselling young adult series drew extensively from the Japanese work.

He stated bluntly, I do not understand how the Japanese writer didnt sue Suzanne Collins for every single thing she owns. They just ripped off the book! As soon as critics saw the film, they said, This is just Battle Royale except PG!

At the premiere of Five Nights at Freddys 2, Hutcherson responded to Tarantinos remarks, telling Variety, There are similar themes, for sure. But, you know, everyone borrows from everyone.

Tarantinos Continued Praise for Battle Royale

Tarantinos comments align with his long-standing admiration for Battle Royale, both the 1999 novel and the 2000 movie adaptation. His renewed criticism emerged as the Hunger Games franchise garners fresh attention with Lionsgates upcoming prequel.

With the first teaser for The Hunger Games: Sunrise of the Reaping released, Hutcherson revealed that he has neither seen the footage nor read the source material. Nevertheless, he expressed enthusiasm for the franchises continuation: Im so excited to see the series continue and the amazing cast theyve gotten for it.

In the prequel novel, Peeta makes a brief appearance in a flashforward, though Hutcherson has not confirmed if he will reprise his role in the film adaptation.

Author: Grace Ellison