(Image Credit: Lionsgate)
The Hunger Games franchise is currently exploring the past with a series of prequel films, but one former star answered whether or not they would be willing to return for a sequel.

Speaking to Variety in a recent interview, Josh Hutcherson — who played Peeta Mellark in the original The Hunger Games films — was asked how he would feel about returning to the franchise. Hutcherson explained that, originally, he wanted nothing to do with the franchise after exiting it in 2015.

What did Josh Hutcherson say about returning to The Hunger Games franchise?

“I was like, ‘F–k that,’” Hutcherson said. “I got thrust into a place of notoriety that I never dreamed of, never wanted. It took privacy from me.”

However, after more time away, Hutcherson now has a different view. He’s come to understand and appreciate all that the role has given him, and now wouldn’t hesitate at all to step back into the world alongside any and all of his former co-stars.

“I would love to be back on set with Francis, with Jen, with Liam, with Woody,” said Hutcherson. “It would not take any convincing at all. I’d be there in a heartbeat.”

Perhaps even more cryptically, Hutcherson was asked about the upcoming prequel sequel, Sunrise on the Reaping. Based on author Suzanne Collins’ latest novel, the book chronicles the Hunger Games from the perspective of a young Haymitch Abernathy, but ends with an epilogue set after the events of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, and features several characters, including Peeta.

When asked if Hutcherson is actually in Sunrise on the Reaping, the actor said it would be a “dream come true,” and teased that sometimes, they do come true.

“It would be a dream come true,” Hutcherson said. “Do dreams come true? Sometimes. Sometimes not. Sometimes, yeah.”

(Source: Variety)