'Hunger Games' Actress Reacts to Quentin Tarantino's Harsh Critique of Beloved Series

Josh Hutcherson, 33, known for his role in the original Hunger Games movies, has spoken out regarding Quentin Tarantino's recent harsh remarks about the widely-loved dystopian series. While promoting his latest horror film, Five Nights at Freddy's 2, Hutcherson was asked by Variety to comment on Tarantino's assertion that the series heavily borrowed from the similarly-themed Battle Royale franchise.

Hutcherson offered a measured response, stating, "There are similar themes, for sure. But, you know, everyone borrows from everyone."

Earlier last month, Tarantino sparked renewed attention with a scathing critique of Hunger Games. Appearing on The Bret Easton Ellis Podcast, the 62-year-old director criticized Suzanne Collins book series, claiming it was essentially a reworking of the 1999 novel and film Battle Royale. Tarantino remarked, I do not understand how the Japanese writer didnt sue Suzanne Collins for every f***ing thing she owns. They just ripped off the f***ing book! Stupid book critics are not going to go watch a Japanese movie called Battle Royale, so the stupid book critics never called her out on it."

He added, "They talked about how it was the most original thing theyd ever f***ing read. As soon as the film critics saw the film, they said, What the f**k! This is just Battle Royale except PG!

Both Hunger Games and Battle Royale share a central plotline where ordinary teenagers are forced into a deadly contest by an authoritarian regime. Tarantino has previously praised the 2000 adaptation of Battle Royale, ranking it among his favorite films of the last 25 years.

Suzanne Collins has consistently denied any direct influence from Battle Royale, stating she had not read the Japanese novel before or during the creation of Hunger Games. In a 2011 interview with The New York Times, Collins said, "I had never heard of that book or that author until my book was turned in. At that point, it was mentioned to me, and I asked my editor if I should read it. He said: 'No, I don't want that world in your head. Just continue with what youre doing.'"

Author: Chloe Ramirez