Is Hansel And Gretel: Witch Hunters 2 finally happening?

Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters stirred a pot of mixed reactions upon its release in 2013. Some horror-comedy enthusiasts adored it, while many critics were not too kind to it. Talks of a sequel surfaced last year, initially slated for a 2016 release. However, filmmaker Tommy Wirkola’s departure dealt a significant blow to Hansel And Gretel: Witch Hunters 2. Now, rumors suggest a revival of the project with French director Bruno Aveillan at helm.

If rumors are to be believed, as they come from close sources related to the project, Paramount aims to inject fresh energy into the franchise. They’re scouting for a new writer to enhance Wirkola’s script, while Aveillan steps in to direct. Details on the plot remain scarce, but it’s likely to continue the adventures of the witch-hunting siblings against a greater threat.

Aveillan’s appointment may raise eyebrows, given his background in experimental art and fashion industry work. He was previously attached to a Universal Cinderella project, which didn’t materialize. Now, he might get another shot with this fairy tale genre.

While there’s no confirmation on the return of Jeremy Renner and Gemma Arterton, Renner hinted at a sequel in a previous conversation. With the rewrite underway, albeit delaying the promised 2016 release, progress is evident. Aveillan’s approach to the supernatural duo will be intriguing, marking his feature film debut.

Right now, we can only sit back and anticipate if Hansel And Gretel: Witch Hunters 2 will become something beyond Reddit discussion boards.

Shikhar Verma

Shikhar Verma is the Co-founder and Senior-Film Critic at High on Films. When he is not writing or championing low-budget indie movies, he is either eating, traveling or just hanging out with his wife. Movies, for him, are more than just moving images and he attributes his coming-of-age to the fleeting moments of catharsis he often feels when a screen fades to black.