'Snow White and the Huntsman' Getting Sequel, Without Kristen Stewart

After the surprising success of Snow White and the Huntsman, a rare female-focused fantasy film starring Kristen Stewart as Snow White, plans were made for a sequel. And that sequel is happening...except without Kristen Stewart or the character of Snow White.

The sequel in development is actually more of a spinoff, as the new film will center entirely on Chris Hemsworth's Huntsman. Director Frank Darabont confirmed the news that the film will be titled The Huntsman, and will feature the return of Hemsworth and Charlize Theron, which makes no real sense given what happened in the first movie. But then, franchise movies are known to break a narrative rule or two in service of the almighty dollar. And who could blame them for bringing her back? She's Charlize Theron! At least now, without K-Stew around, we won't have to suspend our disbelief about how the hell a queen that looked like her would ever be jealous of Stewart (who, to be 100% fair, is super pretty. But not as blindingly gorgeous as Ms. Theron. Okay, I'll get off my soapbox now).

What's strange about this news, however, is that this was apparently the plan all along. Stewart was never going to be back for a sequel, and the idea was always to spinoff The Huntsman character into his own film, perhaps under the pretense that Hemsworth's Thor cred would rub off on it? If nothing else, the first movie succeeded in getting girls to come to the theater in droves, so Universal Pictures is likely looking to reach boys this time.

No word on when the film is expected to begin production, much less when it will release. But it's an interesting strategy to build a franchise intended to appeal to two separate genders in a given demographic -- but not simultaneously. I'm intrigued to see if the gamble pays off, and The Huntsman proves as successful with boys as Snow White and the Huntsman ended up being with young female audiences.

Via: Forbes

Credit: Universal Pictures