Josh Hutcherson Filmography: Movies From Child Actor to Hunger Games Star

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Joshua Ryan Hutcherson was born on October 12, 1992 in Union, Kentucky. From an early age, Hutcherson expressed an interest in acting and performed in local theater productions as a child. At age 9, he moved with his family to Los Angeles to pursue acting professionally.

Hutcherson landed his first major film role at age 10 when he was cast in the 2002 film drama American Splendor, playing the real-life version of comic book writer Harvey Pekar. His performance earned him a Young Artist Award nomination. More film roles soon followed for the young actor, including a voice role in the animated film The Polar Express (2004) and a lead role in the fantasy film Zathura (2005).

Breakthrough with Bridge to Terabithia

In 2007, Hutcherson rose to prominence with a starring role in the fantasy drama Bridge to Terabithia. In the film adaptation of Katherine Paterson’s novel, Hutcherson played Jesse Aarons, a boy who imagines a magical kingdom with his friend Leslie (played by AnnaSophia Robb). Hutcherson won rave reviews for his emotional performance in the heart-wrenching film.

That same year, Hutcherson appeared in the sci-fi thriller Firehouse Dog, as well as the independent drama Winged Creatures alongside Kate Beckinsale and Dakota Fanning. His busy film schedule continued with starring roles in the dystopian film Journey to the Center of the Earth (2008) and the coming-of-age drama The Kids Are All Right (2010).

The Hunger Games

In 2012, Hutcherson achieved global fame when he landed the role of Peeta Mellark in the wildly popular Hunger Games film series. As the kind-hearted baker's son selected to compete in the fight-to-the-death televised event alongside heroine Katniss Everdeen (played by Jennifer Lawrence), Hutcherson displayed his innate ability to portray sincerity and compassion.

He went on to reprise his role as Peeta in the series' three sequels: The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013), The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 (2014), and The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 (2015). The films were massive box office hits, cementing Hutcherson's place as a bonafide movie star. His character's romance with Katniss also earned him popularity among young female fans.

Other Film Projects During Hunger Games Years

While filming The Hunger Games movies, Hutcherson also pursued other film projects. In 2012, he voiced the character Nod in the animated adventure film Epic and appeared in the quirky comedy Detention. The following year, he starred alongside Benicio del Toro in the drug war thriller Paradise Lost.

In 2014, he appeared with Philip Seymour Hoffman in the drama The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1. The following year, he starred in the comedy The Forger opposite Laurence Fishburne and appeared with Dwayne Johnson in the disaster film San Andreas.

Recent Projects

After concluding The Hunger Games film series, Hutcherson has pursued a mix of comedies and dramas. In 2016, he starred in the comedy The Disaster Artist about the making of the infamous film The Room. The following year, he appeared in monster movie parody Colossal with Anne Hathaway.

In 2018, Hutcherson voiced a character in the animated superhero film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and appeared in the drama Burn with Sienna Miller. The next year, he starred in the dark comedy The Rider and appeared in the Netflix romantic comedy Tragedy Girls.

Hutcherson's most recent projects include starring in the 2020 pandemic comedy Together Together and appearing in the 2022 sci-fi romance Across the River and Into the Trees directed by Paula Ortiz. He has completed filming the upcoming thriller The Contractor.

Upcoming Projects

Looking ahead, Hutcherson has expressed interest in continuing to appear in thought-provoking independent films. He is slated to star in the upcoming films The Iron Claw, based on the founding of the Von Erichs wrestling family, and Time and Chance about two friends who take diverging life paths.

Now in his early 30s, Hutcherson continues to showcase his versatility and talent as an actor in a range of film projects. From early beginnings as a child actor to his global fame in blockbuster Hunger Games movies, he has proven his ability to captivate audiences time and again. His fans look forward to seeing what roles he takes on next.

FAQs

What was Josh Hutcherson's first major film role?

Josh Hutcherson's first major film role was in the 2002 drama American Splendor. At age 10, he played the childhood version of comic book writer Harvey Pekar.

What was Josh Hutcherson's big breakout role?

Josh Hutcherson's breakthrough role was as Jesse Aarons in the 2007 fantasy drama Bridge to Terabithia. His emotional performance earned rave reviews and marked his transition to more mature dramatic roles.

What is Josh Hutcherson best known for acting in?

Josh Hutcherson is best known globally for playing the role of Peeta Mellark in the hugely popular Hunger Games film series from 2012-2015. The blockbuster films made him an international star.