Snow White and the Huntsman has been one of the biggest films of the year, and a big success for all involved, not least Universal, with the film taking almost $400m. across the world.
As such, there’s been talk of a sequel ever since its release this summer, but the issue became a little more complicated, following the media’s attention on Kristen Stewart and director Rupert Sanders.
Sanders made a very promising feature directorial debut at the helm of the original, but following the reports over the summer, whether he and/or Stewart would be returning for the sequel was soon called into question, and there was talk of the sequel centring instead on The Huntsman, Chris Hemsworth.
According to an insider speaking to Radar Online, however, it looks like that may no longer be the case, with Stewart reportedly signing on for the sequel, without Sanders returning.
““The script has already been written and production will begin late next year… However, Rupert Sanders definitely won’t be a part of the project. Rupert didn’t want to be a part of it to begin with because he is desperately still trying to save his marriage. The search is still on for a new director.””
The validity of the source’s information is admittedly slightly questionable, especially since the same insider seems to describe Stewart’s current career outlook as though it were in dire straits – when, in fact, we reported earlier this month that she’s in talks to star opposite Ben Affleck in Focus.
There’s also the issue of the script – David Koepp is reported to have written a script for the studio, but he then exited the project amicably with Universal deciding to take things in a different direction.
But as a big fan of the first film this year, I’m really interested to see where the sequel will go, and would love Stewart to return to that world. She gave a brilliant performance as a Joan of Arc-esque version of Snow White, a real heroine, and there are too few leading actresses doing that in Hollywood blockbusters at the moment.
Sanders was announced last month as being attached to direct The Juliet, a sci-fi romance penned by Henry Bean (Noise) that is set up at Sony and New Regency, which seemed to confirm at the time that he wouldn’t be back for the sequel, thus perhaps leaving a little more room for Stewart’s return.
With any luck, we’ll have something concrete for you soon. In the meantime, Stewart can currently be seen in theatres in The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2, which has opened to mammoth numbers at box offices around the world this past weekend.
