Hudgens, Hutcherson admit dating while filming 'Journey' sequel

MANILA, Philippines — The lead actors of ”Journey 2: The Mysterious Island” Josh Hutcherson and Vanessa Hudgens were forced to admit their dating past during an interview with an Australian “Today” morning show, thehuffingtonpost.com reported Jan. 17.

Hutcherson and Fil-Am Hudgens shot each other an awkward glance after they were asked about their romantic past. The interview felt off particularly because the former “High School Musical” star is now publicly dating actor Austin Butler. Online reports about the situation called the moment “cringe-worthy” for both actors who obviously searched each other for the right words to say.After the brief uncomfortable silence, Hutcherson managed to answer: “We’re not [dating now]. We were at one point, but she broke my heart. No, I’m just kidding. That was a while ago. We’re really good friends now.”

From edgier film forays (“Bandslam,” “Sucker Punch”), Hudgens now returned to a more wholesome part via “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island,” the sequel to 2008’s blockbuster “Journey to the Center of the Earth.”

Hudgens plays island girl Kailani in the action-adventure. “[My character] kind of gets sucked into this adventure against her will, but through Sean (Hutcherson) she opens up her heart because she’s really ruled by her head,” she said in an e-mailed statement from the movie’s local distributor Warner Bros. Pictures.

While they were filming the New Line Cinema offering, Hutcherson said Hudgens kept singing and dancing off camera. He revealed, “She’s always dancing,” to which Hudgens supplied, “And singing.”

Being the only girl in the main cast that also includes Dwayne Johnson and Michael Caine, Hudgens took it upon herself to look after her co-stars. “So, it’s my job to look out for the boys. It’s awesome. I mean everybody’s so amazing. I really get along with the guys.”

Off-screen romance translated to on-screen rapport for the young actors despite the opposite characters they play.

“Kailani is tough because she has to be. She looks after her father. She’s also very outspoken,” said Hudgens.

“Sean is a dreamer and Kailani is far more practical. He wants her to get into the spirit of this great quest but she’s just focused on the risks,” told Hutcherson.

“Journey 2: The Mysterious Island” opens across the Philippines on Thursday, Feb. 2 in IMAX 3D, Digital 3D and regular cinemas.