In ‘Twilight’ Tuesday, Josh Hutcherson says he understands the connection, but ‘the challenges the characters face are very different.’ By Kara Warner Josh Hutcherson and Jennifer Lawrence Photo: MTV News Disclaimer: This is not a story about warring fanbases, nor is it intended to instigate a fan war. This is about how the smashing success of “The Twilight Saga” has led to Hollywood’s search for another young-adult mega-franchise and the media’s tendency to compare every teen-targeted film to it. “Twilight” is its own magical, mysterious beast, the overwhelming success of which we will very likely not see replicated anytime soon. While there are indeed similarities between the Stephenie Meyer-created behemoth and other successful franchises like “Harry Potter,” they are very, very different. The latest “Twilight”-vs.-X conversation features the highly anticipated “Hunger Games” movie. In my opinion, there are only two comparable elements: They are both based on very popular young-adult novels and feature two romantic interests for the female protagonist. MTV News recently posed the comparison question to “Hunger Games” stars Josh Hutcherson and Jennifer Lawrence, who both said they understand the link. “I get why people make the connections, because it’s a very popular book, especially amongst young people,” Hutcherson said. “However, I think it’s an entirely different world, and the challenges the characters face are very different.” Those of us who have read both series — and “Potter,” for that matter — likely agree with Hutcherson and know they are completely different stories. As long as the greater population at large can accept and understand these differences, I am completely OK with the many comparisons. Just don’t lump the two together for the sake of convenience. The best thing I’ve seen so far in the “Twilight” and “Hunger Games” comparisons is the fact that Edward Cullen himself, Robert Pattinson, has read “Games” and is just as excited as we are to see the film — in addition to “Breaking Dawn – Part 2,” of course. “I sort of came across it last year, and I didn’t realize it was the most enormous thing in the world,” Pattinson told Entertainment Weekly last year. “It’s good! It will be a good movie.” Now if I can just get a slightly out-of-touch colleague to stop harassing me with “But where are the sparkly vampires?” questions every time a new “Hunger Games” trailer or teaser premieres, I’ll feel as though we’ve made some headway on the subject. What do you think of the “Twilight” and “Hunger Games” comparisons? Tweet me @karawarner with your thoughts and ideas for future “Twilight” Tuesday columns! Check out everything we’ve got on “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2.” For young Hollywood news, fashion and “Twilight” updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com . Related Photos The Hunger Games
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‘Twilight’ Vs. ‘Hunger Games’: How Do They Compare?
