According to The Film Stage, the Snow White and the Huntsman sequel will be a spin-off focusing on Chris Hemsworth‘s Huntsman character, it will also proceed without Kristen Stewart, its original star. This news should come as no surprise following the recent news about Stewart’s affair with the film’s director, Rupert Sanders.
Universal Studios originally planned to continue the franchise by featuring two more films with Stewart as Snow White, then a spin-off with Hemsworth alone. Due to recent events, however, the studio is scrapping its current draft for the sequel, and “exploring options to continue the franchise” – ostensibly with or without Stewart, at least for now. It is unclear whether Sanders will direct the sequel; he is currently attached to another film, 90 Church: The True Story of the Narcotics Squad From Hell. Regardless, the Snow White and the Huntsman sequel is planned for next July.
I’m no fan of Kristen Stewart, but I do think that it’s a little unfair that she seems to have been getting the short end of the stick for this scandal. Her and Sanders were both in the wrong, but Stewart is the one who has already been excluded from the sequel. It’s an enormous double standard, though it’s to be expected from Hollywood.
Personally, I’d like to see a different director at the helm for the sequel, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Sanders returns to the chair. The affair may have no long-lasting impact on his career, whereas Stewart’s career will likely suffer for it in the near future.
What do you think? Are you looking forward to the Snow White and the Huntsman sequel with Hemsworth?