Paramount first announced plans to develop a Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters sequel shortly after the original hit theaters and scored over $220 million worldwide. But that was back in March 2013. As happens with many projects in development, Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters 2 didn't seem to be moving forward. Yes, writer Tommy Wirkola confirmed that he gave the studio the finished script back in November, but he also warned, "It’s up to them now." Well, it turns out that Paramount is forging forward.
According to Deadline, the studio just recruited Bruno Aveillan to direct the film. He's an award-winning commercial director, but Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters 2 will mark his feature directorial debut. If you want to see what he's capable of, be sure to check out his Vimeo page. It's packed with stunning branded content, some of which has a mythical, period vibe to it that could bring out the best in the world Tommy Wirkola established in the original film.
Deadline doesn't confirm Jeremy Renner and Gemma Arterton are returning outright, but the outlet does say, "Aveillan will continue the adventures of the witch-hunting siblings played by Jeremy Renner and Gemma Arterton," so perhaps that means the sequel will pick up where the original left off and both leads will be back. But of course, we can't be sure of that until the studio confirms it. I can't imagine Paramount moving forward with a sequel if they had to recast the roles, but you never know.
There's also no word on when Aveillan will begin shooting but we do know that Adam McKay, Will Ferrell and Kevin Messick are all on board to produce for Gary Sanchez Productions and Beau Flynn is returning as well to produce for FlynnPictureCo.
