Josh Hutcherson nearly traded in Peeta Mellark’s apron for a spider suit.
From Spider‑Man to Hunger Games
In a December 8 episode of Jesse Tyler Ferguson’s “Dinner’s on Me” podcast, the 33‑year‑old actor reflected on the time he almost became Peter Parker in the 2012 film The Amazing Spider‑Man, a role that ultimately went to Andrew Garfield. He said, “A few months before I got cast in Hunger Games, I was in the running to be Spider‑Man,” Hutcherson explained. “I got told ‘no’ which, as a teenager, was heartbreaking because I obviously wanted to be Spider‑Man. But then, I was cast in the Hunger Games. That was the craziest turn of events.” He added, “Hunger Games came out of nowhere. It just changed everything.”
Preparation and Rejection
Hutcherson still recalls the hard work he put into the Spider‑Man audition. Last January, he revealed that a former stunt double, who had been a friend, helped him prepare. Speaking to Wired, he said, “He and I went down to this stunt training gym. We decided to shoot me doing some Spider‑Man stunts, but I didn’t get it.” The rejection, he noted, opened the door to his entry into District 12, where he starred in the franchise’s four films—Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and the two‑part Mockingjay sequels—alongside Jennifer Lawrence and Liam Hemsworth.
Life on Set and Fame
While Hutcherson is less involved in the prequel movies, he still remembers his time on set for the original films. In a November interview with Variety, he admitted facing personal downsides while working on the final movie. He told the magazine, “I was like, ‘F–k that,’ I got thrust into a place of notoriety that I never dreamed of, never wanted. It took privacy from me.” Although he was unprepared for the new level of fame, he has grown accustomed to the spotlight and expressed openness to reviving his Hunger Games character in future sequels.
Future Plans and Upcoming Film
When asked about returning to the set, Hutcherson said, “I would love to be back on set with [director] Francis [Lawrence], with Jen, with Liam, with Woody [Harrelson]. It would not take any convincing at all. I’d be there in a heartbeat.” The actor also mentioned the upcoming film The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, noting its cast—Rachel Zegler, Tom Blyth, Josh Andrés Rivera, and Hunter Schafer—and the involvement of director Francis Lawrence and producer Nina Jacobson.
Key Takeaways
- Hutcherson’s Spider‑Man rejection led to his iconic Hunger Games role.
- He worked closely with a stunt double friend to prepare for the audition.
- The fame from Hunger Games brought unexpected personal challenges.
Josh Hutcherson’s journey from near‑miss Spider‑Man to beloved Hunger Games star illustrates how a single rejection can redirect a career toward unexpected success.
