Summary

• Bridge to Terabithia expertly deals with harsh themes like tragedy and grief, creating a captivating and emotional experience.
• The film helped Josh Hutcherson climb to stardom, paving the way for his role in The Hunger Games franchise.
• Despite being an underrated classic and fan favorite, Bridge to Terabithia doesn't have a sequel due to the author's belief that the story is complete.

Disney is responsible for making a plethora of hit films, making the company a huge part of many people's childhoods. One of its most spectacular movies is Bridge to Terabithia, an epic that immerses fans in a deeply enchanting and mystical wonderland. Yet, this film isn't all sunshine and rainbows and expertly deals with a ton of harsh themes, such as tragedy and grief.

Complete with a wealth of admirable stars and compelling special effects, this film quickly established itself as an underrated classic. Plus, it helped actor Josh Hutcherson climb the ladder to stardom. As such, many fans believe that this deeply compelling film was the reason that Hutcherson secured his role in the lucrative Hunger Games franchise.

Who Is Josh Hutcherson?

• Katherine Paterson’s novel was inspired by a personal true story.

Before he became the powerhouse that fans know and love today, Josh Hutcherson was just a normal little boy who had dreams of becoming an actor. After moving to LA at nine years old, Hutcherson began starring in minor roles and commercials, such as a bit part in ER and the pilot episode of Becoming Glen. In 2003, Hutcherson made it onto the silver screen in the Oscar-nominated movie American Splendor, where he played Robin. From here, he began to collect a wealth of notable credits, including the lead in the hit sci-fi film, Zathura: A Space Adventure. This role helped to establish him as a leading child actor, allowing him to reap the benefits of a ton of lucrative opportunities. In 2007, Hutcherson got the role of Jess Aarons in Bridge to Terabithia, giving him the chance to show off his skills as an experienced young actor.

Alongside his work as an actor, Hutcherson also enjoys producing and directing independent films. He acted as Executive Producer on his first film, Detention, a chilling horror movie that follows a group of high schoolers as they deal with the after-effects of time travel as well as a horrifying serial killer. Hutcherson also played the lead role in this film, highlighting his talents both on and off-screen. Detention received a ton of acclaim as well as a few awards, such as the Youth Jury Prize and the Midnight Extreme Award.

What's Bridge to Terabithia About?

Top 5 Fun Facts About Bridge to Terabithia

• AnnaSophia Robb's stunt double for this movie was a boy named Tyrone Costelloe.
• Though the film is set in Virginia, it was shot in New Zealand.
• Dakota Fanning was initially offered the role of Leslie Burke but had to decline due to scheduling conflicts.
• The shape of the river in Terabithia was designed to mimic the 2006 Disney logo.
• The story was initially released as a made-for-television movie in 1985.

Based on the novel written by Katherine Paterson, Bridge to Terabitha introduces viewers to two preteens named Jesse Aarons and Leslie Burke, both of whom bond due to their vivid imaginations and difficult home lives. The pair spend their days creating a fictional world called Terabithia, a place that's teeming with luscious forests, roaring rivers, and awe-inspiring wildlife. As this wonderland comes to life, the pair spend more and more time in this amazing place. Back in reality, they discover that their peer Janice is being bullied and abused by her father. Jesse and Leslie decide to take their new friend to Terabithia, where they fight off a squad of gruesome monsters that look surprisingly similar to the ones they saw back home. Suddenly, a torrential rainstorm occurs, and the nearby creek begins to overflow. In turn, the team must try to get back to the real world before it's too late.

This film was an instant hit with kids due to its immense imagery, production value, and heartbreaking storyline. It also remained faithful to the source material, mostly because the screenplay was written by Paterson's son, David. Despite having a relatively modest budget of $20 million, Bridge to Terabitha managed to earn an impressive $137 million worldwide, making it one of the most popular releases of 2007. Although fans have been begging for a sequel for nearly 20 years, Paterson believes that her work on Bridge to Terabithia is complete and will live on through nostalgia and fan fiction.

How Josh Hutcherson Jumped on the Fast Track to Stardom

The Hunger Games Franchise Box Office Earnings

In 2012, at the age of just 19, Josh Hutcherson announced that he would play the role of Peeta in the beloved The Hunger Games films. Not only was this character a key love interest throughout the franchise, but he is the male tribute for District 12. Therefore, he worked closely alongside the protagonist, Katniss Everdeen, who is portrayed by Jennifer Lawrence. Throughout the film, the pair have to fake a romance in order to deceive the Capitol during their Victory Tour. This romance is a pivotal story arc and allows them to defeat a wealth of obstacles and stay together, even after the war.

The Hunger Games movies were a worldwide phenomenon and gave Hutcherson the opportunity to enjoy some time in the spotlight. He scooped up a number of awards for this role, which allowed him to enjoy the status of teen heartthrob. Yet, Hutcherson used these films to show that he's more than just a pin-up and showcased his experience as a deeply emotive actor. From completing extensive exercises in the training center to suffering from a lethal blood infection, Hutcherson handles each instance with grace and real emotion.

After the tremendous hype surrounding The Hunger Games fell off, Hutcherson starred in the sci-fi comedy Future Man, which was produced by Seth Rogen. Though the show wasn't overly popular, it allowed Hutcherson to play more adult roles and push away from the confines of his previous work. He also enjoyed some voice acting work in 2019, where he depicted the role of Shinjiro Hayata in Netflix's Ultraman. Thus, it's clear that the actor is moving quickly from project to project, collecting an admirable reputation as he expands his portfolio.

Where Is Josh Hutcherson Now?

Five Underrated Josh Hutcherson Movies:

• Kicking & Screaming (2005)
• Firehouse Dog (2007)
• Journey to the Center of the Earth (2008)
• The Kids Are All Right (2010)
• Howl's Moving Castle (2005)

In 2023, Hutcherson appeared as Mike Schmidt in the highly anticipated Five Nights at Freddy's movie, one of the year's most popular horror films. Based on the hit video game, Hutcherson plays a night guard who must strive to stay alive when a team of animatronics comes to life. Fans of this franchise won't have to wait too long to see Hutcherson again, as it's recently been announced that he will be reprising his role in the upcoming sequel.

Despite putting his child-actor days far behind him, Josh Hutcherson is still one of America's leading actors and manages to cause a storm on social media. Though many fans will never forget his role as Jesse Aarons in Bridge to Terabithia, it'll be interesting to see what this acting powerhouse will offer fans next.