Although Universal’s SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN received a mixed response from critics, audiences certainly enjoyed Rupert Sanders’ dark re-interpretation of the well known fairy tale. The 2012 fantasy hit scored just under $400 Million worldwide on a $170 Million budget. By Hollywood standards this is of course more than enough to secure a sequel, and as a result Kristen Stewart and Chris Hemsworth will be returning for the 2016 follow up. Universal have been incredibly keen to fast-track the second film in their new fairy tale series, after becoming very aware of their lack of big budget franchise’s (in other words no superhero properties).
After the highly publicised controversy between Rupert Sanders and Kristen Stewart, Universal were quick to ditch the visually inventive film maker to preserve interest in the upcoming sequel. Now a short list has been revealed for potential directors of SNOW WHITE AND HUNTSMAN 2, and there are definitely some interesting choices on there. The three directors in question are said to be Frank Darabont (THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION, THE GREEN MILE, THE WALKING DEAD), Gavin O’ Connor (WARRIOR, JANE GOT A GUN) and Andy Muschietti (MAMA). These are all quite different but equally interesting picks for a big budget fantasy drama, with their respective filmographies each bringing something very different to the table.
Muschietti was previously attached to reboot Universal’s MUMMY franchise before exiting the project, so that may put him as the front runner due to his prior association with the studio. However Darabont is easily the most interesting choice of the three, and a director of his calibre would almost certainly elevate the franchise into uncharted territory. Hemsworth will be shooting the film as soon as he has wrapped on AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON, which means that it should be going into production at the end 0f 2014/beginning of 2015. With that in mind expect to hear an official confirmation sooner rather than later, and I wouldn’t be surprised if we knew within the next week or so.
Check back with THN for more news on SHOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN 2.
Source: Deadline
