Even though he has completed the script to the film, Tommy Wirkola (who also helmed the Dead Snow films) has said that he's decided against returning to direct Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters 2.  I'm not sure if this really qualifies as a blow against the film since Wirkola is still attached to produce the thing and oversee his script, and if Paramount is able to find some young hotshot director to make this their playground then it could actually be a cool scenario.

I identify with Wirkola's reasoning here, as it seems he doesn't want to be caught in an endless cycle of making sequels to his own films.  The biggest hurdle facing the project remains the potential unavailability of star Jeremy Renner.  Hit the jump for more on Tommy Wirkola not returning to direct Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters 2.

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Wirkola told Fangoria:

“I’ve just decided to not direct HANSEL & GRETEL 2. I have been lately attached to a few more things, it’s just a matter of time and priorities. I did DEAD SNOW 1, then HANSEL & GRETEL 1, and then DEAD SNOW 2. I want to do something a little bit different now and not just do sequels. I did write the script and I hope to be involved in it. But yeah, I won’t be directing it."

Still, this could be a good gig for a newcomer. It's a fun universe and I don't see this as a crushing loss to the film world if someone else holds the reigns for a bit.

Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters 2 Tommy Wirkola