Hunger Games Star Politely Shuts Down Quentin Tarantino Over Ripped Off Claims

Because the internet can never resist a rebooted argument, the old Hunger Games vs. Battle Royale debate is back on the timeline. Quentin Tarantino took a fresh swing, and now Josh Hutcherson has weighed in from the sidelines with the most Peeta answer possible.

What Tarantino said (and yes, he said it like that)

On The Bret Easton Ellis Podcast, Tarantino ran through his favorite films of the 21st century and slotted Battle Royale at No. 12. Then he went right at Suzanne Collins' franchise with zero chill.

"I do not understand how the Japanese writer didn’t sue Suzanne Collins for every f---ing thing she owns," he said. "They just ripped off the f---ing book! … As soon as the film critics saw the film, they said, 'What the f---! This is just Battle Royale except PG!'"

This tracks with Tarantino's long-standing love for both the 1999 novel and the 2000 film adaptation. He has been boosting Battle Royale for years, so this is not some sudden hot take. The timing, though, is convenient: Lionsgate is spinning up a new round of Hunger Games attention with a fresh prequel on the way.

Josh Hutcherson responds (calmly, diplomatically)

Asked about Tarantino's comments at the premiere of Five Nights at Freddy's 2, Hutcherson told Variety:

"There are similar themes, for sure. But, you know, everyone borrows from everyone."

That is about as even-handed as it gets. No defensiveness, no dragging, just a gentle reminder that influence is kind of how storytelling works.

Meanwhile, the franchise keeps moving

The first teaser for The Hunger Games: Sunrise of the Reaping is already out, though Hutcherson says he has not watched the footage yet and has not read the book it adapts. He did say he is excited to see the series continue and shouted out the new cast.

Book readers know Peeta pops up briefly in a flashforward, but Hutcherson has not confirmed if he is back for the movie version.

The quick version

• Tarantino ranked Battle Royale No. 12 on his best-of-the-century list and blasted The Hunger Games for lifting from it, in very Tarantino language.
• Hutcherson, asked about it at the Five Nights at Freddy's 2 premiere, said the two share themes but that everyone borrows from everyone.
• The Hunger Games: Sunrise of the Reaping has a teaser out; Hutcherson has not seen it or read the book yet but is into the franchise continuing. Peeta appears briefly in the novel's flashforward, but no film return is confirmed.