Even before he starred as sensitive baker Peeta in The Hunger Games, Josh Hutcherson was many a schoolkid’s crush. He filled our screens early on as a kid in Bridge to Terebithia and Journey to the Center of the Earth (you know, just those classic classroom films) before getting older and playing opposite Hayden Panettiere in The Forger and Vanessa Hudgens in Journey 2: The Mysterious Island.Â
Now, since the release of the teaser for the new Five Nights at Freddy’s film, in which he plays the security guard, the Renaissance of Josh Hutcherson seems to be well underway, as he was sorely missed! And judging by the edits of him all over TikTok (move over Pedro Pascal), the world is ready (and thirsty) for his comeback.
Hutcherson has kept under wraps since dipping from the spotlight following the success of The Hunger Games, and honestly, good for him. After a huge blockbuster, he’s had the time to mature in private and enjoy his life, specifically with his longtime girlfriend, actress Claudia Traisac. The two have been together since 2013 when they each starred in the crime thriller Escobar: Paradise Los. As we prepare to look ahead to what this new era of Josh Hutcherson entails, let’s first look to the past and remember who he dated when we were still too young to shoot our shot (but keep in mind he has been with Claudia since age 20 so prepare for some throwback teenage Hutcherson content).
Victoria Justice: 2008-2009
Starting with another familiar star from our childhood, the two were both only 17 years old, and their photos together are so precious. The two had been friends since even earlier, when they were 15 and each already working as an actor. Seen frequenting multiple premieres and events together, the two dated for about a year. Not much is known about their breakup.
Lanchen Mihalic: 2009 – Unknown
Now a multimedia artist, Mihalic actually attended the Zathura premiere with Hutcherson in 2005, as the two were reportedly dating. Skip ahead to 2009, and the two are photographed together, once with Mihalic on the back of Hutcherson’s motorcycle. Again, Hutcherson was good about keeping his privacy, and not much else is known about their relationship, including when it ended.
Vanessa Hudgens: 2011
Another familiar face, these two began seeing each other during the filming of Journey 2: The Mysterious Island and even attended Coachella together, which is just classic considering Hudgens’s style and love for Coachella. However, it was a brief romance that ended amicably before the film’s release; during a press interview in 2012, when asked how long they had been together for, they awkwardly replied it had ended a while ago.
Claudia Traisac: 2013 – Now
Finally, we made it to Hutcherson’s long-term girlfriend of 10 years. Hutcherson is only 30 years old, which is why he seems so young in all of these past relationships; he was only 20! Hutcherson confirmed their relationship, after two years together, in an interview with Glamour. Traisac is also an actress, and the two worked together on the film Escobar: Paradise Lost, in which they were also lovers. A decade later, they are happy and honestly very cute. Hopefully a ring is in store for this couple soon!
Josh Hutcherson was always an incredible actor, and it is so exciting to see him back in the spotlight in his first onscreen role since 2019. He was just a teenager in these relationships, so it may be time to look forward as I’m sure we can expect adorable photos of Traisac alongside him at the premiere!