VARIETY “Actors on Actors”: Elizabeth Banks and Josh Hutcherson Talk HUNGER GAMES, I LOVE LA, THE MINIATURE WIFE, And More

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In a new conversation for VARIETY’s “Actors on Actors” issue, Josh Hutcherson and Elizabeth Banks reunite to discuss their shared history on THE HUNGER GAMES, as well as their ongoing roles in I LOVE LA and THE MINIATURE WIFE, respectively. The pair also offers insight on sudden fame, the romantic dynamics in their shows, the creative processes of acting and directing, and more. 

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Hutcherson and Banks on their time on “The Hunger Games”:

Banks: My first memories of “The Hunger Games” — I remember seeing you guys the first few days, but then I left and came back, because you guys went into the woods.

Hutcherson: Yeah, they were painting me into rocks and shit.

Banks: I remember coming back, and you guys were this feral gang of young people.

Hutcherson: I was 19. I didn’t do college, so college for me was shooting those movies and growing up with them. It’s so long ago.

Banks: I felt like your auntie. I was everyone’s auntie. And then I really got to relax on the second one, because there were a lot more adults my age.

Hutcherson and Banks on Hutcherson being catapulted into fame:

Hutcherson: It was crazy. It was such a massive machine, and it was such a formative time of my life. We all went through so many changes together. We leaned on each other, hardcore. It was really intimidating. I’m from a small town in Kentucky. I started acting when I was a kid because I liked the idea of making movies. Fame was never on my radar — and then I was thrust into that world in such a big way. It was a lot.

Banks: It was like watching a supernova take off.

Hutcherson: For a long time, I was resentful toward it, because I didn’t want that kind of attention.

Banks: There’s a huge intrusion into your life.

Hutcherson: So I was chip-on-my-shoulder angry about it. With years of perspective, I have grown to appreciate it so much.

Hutcherson and Banks on Hutcherson figuring out his “straight man” role on “I Love LA”:

Banks: So you’re here to talk about this new role in “I Love L.A.” Rachel Sennott, who we both know — it came from her brain. You play the straight man of the bunch, a very grounded and grounding presence among an ensemble that’s kook-a-doo, right?

Hutcherson: It’s a dynamic that I’ve experienced many times. I’m drawn to crazy. I always have been. But I myself tend to be more feet-on- the-ground vibes. In a show that’s giving such a specific snapshot of a world that many people have no contact with, having a character that’s a bit of an audience sounding board is important.

Hutcherson and Banks on Banks playing a disempowered woman and being alone on set:

Hutcherson: In “The Miniature Wife,” the relationship dynamic that you guys have I find very interesting. I’ve always seen you playing very powerful characters. To be shrunken by this man — I’m curious how that felt for you.

Banks: I loved the dynamic. It felt like we were going to use this metaphor to talk about some bigger issues. I felt it was very relatable, this notion of being made to feel small. I thought it was going to be really comedic and fun. My husband likes to say this was the least mentally prepared I’ve ever been to do a job because I didn’t really understand how isolated I actually was going to be when I was six inches tall. I had my own stage. I had a whole green box.

Hutcherson: That’s wild.

Banks: I had the dollhouse set, and I was alone. I was literally never with Matthew. It was so vulnerable.

Banks on the experience and benefits of directing:

That’s a great start. I do think it makes you a more patient actor, because you sort of understand everything. I really enjoy days when I don’t have to answer a lot of questions and I just get to take care of the character I’m there to play that day. I don’t have to worry about the choreography and the camera angles. But I love being surprised by something. I love collaborating. I love problem-solving. I hope I get to do more of it. I think I will.

[Photo Credit: Mary Ellen Matthews for Variety]

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