Josh Hutcherson says he's not sure how he feels about the level of stardom that comes with starring in as hotly anticipated a film as "The Hunger Games," and that he was "literally rendered speechless" when he learned he got the part.
In a new interview with Parade, the actor now known as The Hutch considers superstardom that "Potter" and "Twilight" stars achieve to be a complicated blessing:
“It’s a mixed feeling. It’s something that every actor sort of dreams about, because, if you get to that point, that means you’re successful and you get to keep on doing what you do. But, at the same time, you do lose anonymity, and you start to kind of become more of this idea to people instead of a real person, which is challenging. But I’m excited about it. It’s a new adventure and I’m excited to see where it takes me.”
The magazine also nabbed interviews with Jennifer Lawrence and director Gary Ross, and each gave some insight into what it was like to make the film. Lawrence also had reservations about her newfound fame, saying it's "just bizarre" and "scary" to be recognized for a movie that hasn't even been released.
It's unsurprising that the film's young stars are slightly uneasy with the level of celebrity they've suddenly reached. "Twilight" stars Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart have talked at length about the dark side of celebrity. Stewart compared the relentless paparazzi scrutiny to "rape," and "Potter" star Daniel Radcliffe expressed heartfelt sympathy for Pattinson.
As far as the film itself goes, Ross promised that fans of the book will not be disappointed. He describes working closely with author Suzanne Collins and said the filmmakers were "very faithful not only to the narrative but also to the feeling of the book."
Early critical reactions to "The Hunger Games" have been mostly positive, though full reviews have yet to be released. A number of celebrities celebrities who attended to the premiere tweeted effusive praise for the movie.
"The Hunger Games" comes out March 23. For more from the stars and director, head over to Parade's interviews with Lawrence, Hutcherson and Ross. The magazine also has a "Which 'Hunger Games' Character Are You?" quiz, , photos of the actors in character and a look inside the Hunger Games Arena.
PHOTOS From The Premiere Of "The Hunger Games"
