Josh Hutcherson dismisses Tarantino's accusation of 'Hunger Games' copying 'Battle Royale': 'Everyone takes inspiration from others'

Actor Josh Hutcherson, known for his role in the Hunger Games series, addressed Quentin Tarantinos recent comments suggesting that Suzanne Collins original book series borrowed heavily from the 1999 Japanese novel and film Battle Royale. Speaking with Variety at the premiere of his new horror project, Five Nights at Freddys 2, Hutcherson said, There are similar themes, for sure. But, you know, everyone borrows from everyone.

Tarantino, a longtime supporter of Battle Royale, voiced his opinion on The Bret Easton Ellis Podcast last November while discussing his favorite films of the 21st century. The director placed Battle Royale 12th on his list and highlighted its parallels with The Hunger Games. He expressed disbelief that Collins wasnt legally challenged by the Japanese author, claiming critics overlooked the similarities due to unfamiliarity with the original work.

Hutcherson portrayed Peeta Mellark, Katniss Everdeens fellow competitor and love interest, across the first four films. A new prequel, Sunrise of the Reaping, released its first teaser in November ahead of its 2026 debut. Hutcherson revealed he has not yet watched the trailer or read the source material, but shared his excitement about the continuation of the franchise and its cast.

In the prequel novel, Peeta appears in a brief flashforward scene, though Hutcherson has not confirmed involvement in the upcoming film adaptation. Meanwhile, he returns to the horror genre starring as Mike Schmidt in Five Nights at Freddys 2, directed by Emma Tammi. The sequel brings back Elizabeth Lail, Piper Rubio, Matthew Lillard, and Theodus Crane, while introducing Freddy Carter, Skeet Ulrich, Mckenna Grace, Teo Briones, and Wayne Knight. The film is set to release in theaters this Friday.

Analysis: Comparing "The Hunger Games" and "Battle Royale" - Similarities and Influences

Actor Josh Hutcherson recently commented on Quentin Tarantino's remarks about the similarities between Suzanne Collins' "The Hunger Games" and the 1999 Japanese novel and film "Battle Royale." While acknowledging that there are indeed shared themes, Hutcherson made it clear that "everyone borrows from everyone" in the creative process. This statement offers an interesting perspective, especially in light of Tarantino's assertion that Collins' work closely mirrors the Japanese classic.

Tarantino, who is known for his admiration of "Battle Royale," argued that the parallels between the two stories are so striking that critics have overlooked them, possibly due to a lack of familiarity with the original work. He even questioned why Collins wasn't legally challenged by the Japanese author, given the striking similarities between the two narratives. While Hutcherson didn't dismiss the notion entirely, his comments suggest a more nuanced view of creative influence. It's important to recognize that many stories draw on similar themes, such as survival and government control, which are explored in both "The Hunger Games" and "Battle Royale."

Ultimately, while Tarantino’s position highlights the debate over originality and influence in storytelling, Hutcherson's response invites a broader conversation about how ideas evolve and cross-pollinate within the entertainment industry. As both films continue to resonate with audiences, it’s clear that the conversation about their similarities will continue to shape how we understand the evolution of modern dystopian narratives.

Sources:

• Josh Hutcherson Shrugs Off Tarantino Claiming ‘Hunger Games’ Ripped Off ‘Battle Royale’: ‘Everyone Borrows From Everyone’

Author: Ethan Caldwell
Ethan Caldwell is an experienced reporter with 10 years covering international news. He specializes in politics and economics, with strong investigative journalism and analytical writing skills.