Actor Josh Hutcherson, who plays Peeta Mellark in "The Hunger Games" films, started a wave in the Internet when he hinted during their panel at the 2015 San Diego Comic-Con that there might be sequels or spin-offs after the release of the final film, "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 2."
When asked by host Conan O'Brien if there were plans for other projects after the last film, Hutcherson replied, as reported by Movie Pilot, "There is... I'm sorry. No, I can't say that. I'm sorry. We'll see what happens."
His response immediately got the crowd going wild.
Suzanne Collins, the author of the books on which the films are based, confirmed as far back as 2013 that the books were done and that "Mockingjay" ends Katniss Everdeen's story. However, Lionsgate may still focus on spin-offs and prequels that center around other characters.
Hutcherson later sat down for an interview with the Huffington Post and cleared up the rumors that he inadvertently started.
"Yeah, I mean the truth is I don't know anything. I would like there to be more because they're really fun to make, and it's a fun character, but ... afraid that I'm not clear on that one," he explained. "It has to be something that she [Suzanne Collins] creates naturally. It's not just trying to make more movies out of it."
The actor also discussed the ending of the final book, which features a time jump of several years, hinting that if the studios were to move forward with a sequel, then they could try to fill in the gap and present what occurs during these years.
His response is neither a confirmation nor a denial and it may be that he is simply trying to dodge the question. It is entirely possible that the studios are already developing a spin-off film but are not announcing anything until their plans are final or they may not have anything planned at all and the actor is just trying to calm down people's expectations.
However, the likelihood of a sequel or spin-off will largely depend on how well "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 2" performs at the box office.
