Josh Hutcherson's Q&A
Rising star Josh Hutcherson chatted with KOL Editor Lyssa Walker about his flick, 'Bridge to Terabithia.' Find out what kind of cookie Josh would be if he was one and more!
Did you read the book before making the movie?
I hadn't read it in school. I found out that it was being made into a movie, then I went out and got the book right away because I knew there was a character in there that I could possibly play. I read it and I could see it turning into a movie, so I got the script and read it and it was so cool how it was very similar to the book, but added more stuff to make it more visual for a movie.
What was your favorite scene to film?
My favorite scene was probably the big fight scene we had with all the creatures of Terabithia. It was just a really cool, big, action sequence we got to do and fun to film.
Annasophia said that you guys had tennis balls thrown at you.
We did. They used tennis balls and all sorts of weird things to try to make it look like we were reacting to something because they had to add in special effects later. So, we had to punch away and pretend like there were creatures that weren't actually there.
So, with all the special effects, how did that affect your acting?
It was harder. I enjoyed it and it was a challenge, and that's why I do this because I like having challenges and getting to work through them. It was a lot of fun doing this one.
Have you acted in a movie with as many special effects that were in this movie?
In 'Zathura,' there was quite a few special effects, but 'Zathura' had a lot more practical stuff with like actual creatures in suits. This one had more CGI stuff.
How long ago was this movie filmed?
Pretty much a year ago from today.
In the movie, there were a few times that you got knocked around by a couple of bullies. Did you ever get shoved around a little too hard while filming or have you ever been threatened by real bullies?
I never got shoved around too hard by bullies on set because those kids were really nice and good about not pushing me too hard. In real life, when I went to public school, I had some encounters with bullies when I first started acting. They used to all make fun of me for it and it was hard for me because I'm just doing something that I love and they were being mean to me about it. I do understand that it happens all the time today and now by playing Jess, I can sort of see what it's like being bullied around all the time.
You raced with Annasophia, but in real life who would win?
I think I would. I was trying to get her to race me at lunch but she didn't want to.
Do you have any advice for kids who want to get into show business?
I think one of the biggest things is to make sure you love doing it because if you don't love doing it, and you're just doing it for the wrong reasons, then you're going to be in trouble because it's not a cheap business to start out in. Because when you first get started, you have to pay for all your own stuff and especially if you go to California. So, make sure you really want to do it and if you really want to do it, then never give up.
You've worked with a few big named actors like Robins Williams. Do you get nervous around these huge stars?
I don't actually and that's the weird thing. I just think that I'm doing the same business as them and I never felt nervous around any of the big actors.
What actor or actress do you really want to work with?
I want to work with Jake Gyllenhaal really badly, because I love his work and his career is kind of how I want my career to go because he does some smaller movies that have really great acting in it instead of doing really big blockbusters.
When you aren't making movies, what is your favorite thing to do?
For me, it's playing football.
And you like professional football?
Oh, I love watching the NFL.
You've acted in front of the camera and have done voiceover work, which do you prefer?
I like regular acting in front of the camera just because in doing voice over work, it's fun and it's acting. At the same time, if you do camera work they can see you and you can bring more to the character and not only use your voice to show emotion, but you can use actions and movements.Who are your celeb crushes?
I think Angelina Jolie for sure. I mean it's Angelina Jolie! Also, Jamie Lynn Spears.
How does it feel for you to be a teen heartthrob?
It's kind of weird and I never expected that to happen. I think it's cool. I mean my mom thinks it's kind of weird because when she was young she had pin-ups of people from Tiger Beat and everything like that.
So, are the girls kind of crazy?
A little.
What's the craziest story you've ever had involving a fan?
I've had people ask me to marry them.
And what did you say?
I said sorry, not at this time.
Where is the coolest place you've ever visited?
When I filmed 'Bridge to Terabithia,' we filmed in New Zealand. So, that was one of the coolest places I've ever been. I also filmed a little bit in Iceland, which is pretty cool too, but I think I like New Zealand better.
What projects are you currently working on?
Right now I'm just doing press for 'Terabithia' and coming up I have stuff that our production company is actually developing. I'll be developing a football movie which is still untitled. We're still doing casting. We're really early in development with that.
What is your favorite movie of all time?
Wow. That's a hard question. I don't think I have an answer to that question. When I was little, I loved 'The Lion King.' That was one of my all-time favorite movies when I was younger.
Finally, I have a goofy question for you. If you were a cookie, what kind of cookie would you be?
Oh man that's such a hard question. I think I'd have to be a chocolate chip cookie because I love choc chip cookies. I can say no to cakes and all sorts of fancy desserts, but if you give me a glass of milk and a chocolate chip cookie, I'm gone.
