Transporting, imaginative, beloved—all three words describe animated films, which, at their best, give live-action flicks a run for their money. But how is the experience different for the actors, besides the fact that they can be on the job in their pj’s? I like to know how things work, so I called one of my favorite stars, Josh Hutcherson, to get the scoop on exactly how he made Epic, this summer’s hottest animated film.

“It’s so weird seeing someone else’s face with my words,” says Josh, who lent his voice to Nod, the adventure feature’s hero. “Nod is a warrior for the Leafmen, and their job is to protect Mother Nature and defend her majesty the Queen, played by Beyoncé.” Along with Mrs. Carter, the film’s star-studded cast includes Amanda Seyfried, Jason Sudeikis, Aziz Ansari, Pitbull, and Steven Tyler. But much to my surprise, Josh says he never interacted with any of them in person. “It’s all remote! I met Amanda for the first time doing interviews,” he says with a laugh. “We’re supposed to be playing love interests in the movie, so that’s a funny situation.”

FULL TEEN VOGUE INTERVIEW UNDER THE CUT!

Transporting, imaginative, beloved—all three words describe animated films, which, at their best, give live-action flicks a run for their money. But how is the experience different for the actors, besides the fact that they can be on the job in their pj’s? I like to know how things work, so I called one of my favorite stars, Josh Hutcherson, to get the scoop on exactly how he made Epic, this summer’s hottest animated film.

“It’s so weird seeing someone else’s face with my words,” says Josh, who lent his voice to Nod, the adventure feature’s hero. “Nod is a warrior for the Leafmen, and their job is to protect Mother Nature and defend her majesty the Queen, played by Beyoncé.” Along with Mrs. Carter, the film’s star-studded cast includes Amanda Seyfried, Jason Sudeikis, Aziz Ansari, Pitbull, and Steven Tyler. But much to my surprise, Josh says he never interacted with any of them in person. “It’s all remote! I met Amanda for the first time doing interviews,” he says with a laugh. “We’re supposed to be playing love interests in the movie, so that’s a funny situation.”

You can read the full Teen Vogue interview by picking up a copy today! (Has been on newsstands as of May 21st, 2013)

After conquering “The Hunger Games,” Josh Hutcherson is set to star in the dark psychological thriller “Ape” for Atomic Owl Pictures and JetLag Productions.

Normally, you work your way into the off-the-wall questions with movie stars. But with Josh Hutcherson, the big one is just hanging there, demanding to be asked:

“How often does the average 12- to 19-year-old girl come up to you and propose marriage?”

The 20 year-old “Hunger Games” hunk, nicknamed “our Boy with the Bread” on some of the many fansites devoted to showing their devotion (Iheartjosh.net, josh-h.com, welcometodistrict12), takes it all in stride.

“More often than you think,” he cracks. “I get it. I get it. It’s the CHARACTER they’re in love with, right?”