Hunger Games star Josh Hutcherson says the films ‘act as a warning’

Hunger Games star Josh Hutcherson has said its “themes of authoritarianism and overpowering violent governments are very present” in today’s world.

The actor, who has played the role of Peeta Mellark since the first film in 2012, told GQ Hype that he “cannot confirm nor unconfirm” whether he has been working on a new Hunger Games movie.

He said the fantasy dystopian films – and the novels they are based on – act as a “warning about giving government too much power and control”.

“About not standing up against authoritarians,” he added.

“About stripping away civil rights, human rights. Being an American right now, it’s like… what the f*** is going on?”

The American actor said he believes his country has “lost its way in so many ways”.

He said: “The fact that we’re at Ice raids in the streets and funding wars.

“The fact that there are a lot of Americans who support it – and many more who don’t – makes you feel like an alien in your own place. It’s like, how are we allowing this?”

Hutcherson, who appears on the cover of the GQ Hype Grooming Pages special, admitted that he suffers from “rosacea, so I get red and flushed very easily if I’m in the sun, even if I have a hat and SPF 4,000”.

He added: “I get acne breakouts, and that’s not cute. I’m a shorter guy, too. You’re aware of your weak points.

“You’re on display for people to look at and judge, and they will say those things. They will find those insecurities and throw them in your face.”

But he said that over the past year he has come to accept how he looks, adding: “I think I’ve learned how to cope and accept that these are my genetics. This is what I have.

“I feel really good right now, like I’m owning myself and who I am and what I look like.”

The full feature can be read online at GQ Hype now.