Jeremy Renner’s Canceled Hansel & Gretel Sequel Just Got a Glimmer of Hope

Most fans gave up on hopes of a sequel to Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters years ago, but the film’s director isn’t ready to call it quits just yet. Though the sequel never came together, Tommy Wirkola has said a changing landscape at Paramount means the fantasy franchise could still find a second life.

Tommy Wirkola explains what became of the planned Hansel & Gretel sequel

Speaking to ScreenRant while promoting Violent Night 2, director Tommy Wirkola revealed that the sequel to Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters spent years in development alongside plans for a television series before both quietly faded away.  Still, he believes today’s circumstances look different. “You should never say never,” he said, noting that Paramount now has “a new regime.” Because the first film “made a lot of money for the studio,” he suggested the property could eventually return.

Wirkola also made it clear the project still means something to him. “I’m very proud of the film,” he said, before adding that he feels the creative team “can deliver even better if we’re given the chance.”

The original 2013 movie earned mixed reviews but performed well at the global box office. Jeremy Renner and Gemma Arterton starred as the famous siblings reimagined as professional witch hunters, helping the action-fantasy film collect more than $226 million worldwide against a reported $50 million budget. Development on a sequel began within months, originally targeting a 2016 release, before creative changes and shifting priorities eventually halted production.

If Paramount ever resumes work on a sequel, bringing back the original’s lead stars may prove the biggest challenge. Renner has approached physically demanding projects more carefully since his snowplow accident, while Arterton has largely moved away from major franchise films. Even so, Wirkola’s recent box office success with the Violent Night movies and Paramount’s renewed interest in legacy franchises could spur interest in the project again.

Source: Comingsoon.net