RUMOR: Rupert Sanders Out And Kristen Stewart In For SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN Sequel?

RadarOnline (via FilmSchoolRejects) has word that Universal is pushing to bring back Kristen Stewart for the sequel to Snow White And The Huntsman. It had been reported previously the studio was looking to make the sequel centered around The Huntsman played by Chris Hemsworth. David Koepp was hired to develop a script while this new report says David is now gone but a script is ready to go. However, the big news is that Rupert Sanders won't be back to direct but the project is still being aimed to start shooting at the end of 2013. It's unknown how concrete this new information is so take it as a rumor for now.

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Universal Officially Moving Forward With 'HUNTSMAN' Sequel, Writer David Koepp Confirmed

Universal Pictures could have hit on their hands when the final box numbers for Snow White And The Huntsman roll out. Deadline is reporting the studio is fast tracking the sequel with screenwriter David Koepp (Spider-Man, Jurassic Park, Mission: Impossible) that been in talks back in April. All signs point to Universal aiming for the return of director Rupert Sanders for the next installment.

Sanders had stated on red carpets he was prepared to jump back for a sequel if need be but has another project in the que. Considering he had a decent deal with the studio the first time around it wouldn't be hard to see him come back. While I felt the film had a lacking script, Sanders created a wonderful world that we only got a small glimpse into it's true scope. A majority of the film's problems stem from a rushed release date due to a competing film. This time around they'll likely be given the extra time to make a better movie.

They will also likely bring back key cast members from the first film. Mainly, Chris Hemsworth as the Aussie actor is the most bankable star of the budding franchise thanks to the quality of his other projects (Thor, Avengers, Cabin In The Woods) boosting his international appeal. It had been reported that the studio was aiming for a spin-off focusing on the Huntsman which likely will be the case as Snow White doesn't really have a motive to continue into another film. Considering the sheer hate from audiences and critics alike I'd be hard-pressed to expect the studio make Kristen Stewart's Snow White a main character in the sequel.

Chris Hemsworth Comments On Possible 'HUNTSMAN' Spin-Off

During an interview with Google+ Aussie actor Chris Hemsworth gave a brief statement on the rumors of him starring in his own Huntsman focused spin-off. It had been reported that Universal hired screenwriter David Koepp to write a treatment for a sequel to Snow White And The Huntsman with Rupert Sanders expected to return as director. The catch is that the film would center around Hemsworth's character likely without Steward and Theron being involved. It's not surprising since Universal currently doesn't have a string of franchises to rely on. Chris has two rather strong franchises already with Thor and Avengers. It would be smart for the studio to capitalize if Snow White is successful as well.

“Yeah, sure, if there’s an audience for it and people wanna see it and there’s a great script and room to do something different with it, absolutely. I’ve heard probably the same rumors you have about possible sequels to this or prequels as far as the Huntsman’s storyline [goes]. We’re pretty elusive for the most of it; he begins having suffered some sort of trauma in a whole life before this point, and then at the end it’s left open as well. We had endless discussions about ‘where does he come from and why does he do this and what’s this about?’ and it all of a sudden opened up all these ideas about his whole life prior to this. I said, at one stage, ‘Maybe he could sort of spin-off into Cinderella world and then Sleeping Beauty, and he’s a Huntsman through the fairy tales,’ but that got shot down pretty quick (laughs).”

David Koepp Could Write 'HUNTSMAN' Sequel For Universal

Deadline reports that Universal is in current talks with screenwriter David Koepp to start working the sequel to Snow White And The Huntsman. Koepp is best known for writing and adapting scripts for Jurassic Park, Jurassic Park II: The Lost World, Mission: Impossible, Carlito's Way, Death Becomes Her, Stir of Echos, Panic Room and Spider-Man. Before we get too excited he also contributed to uneven films like The Shadow, Indiana Jones And The Kingdom of The Crystal Skulls, War of The Worlds and Angels And Demons. His next project coming to theaters is Men In Black 3 which could go either way, so let's hope they get another writer in there just to be sure.

The film directed by newcomer Rupert Sanders won't be released until June but the studio is looking to fast track it's sequel. Sanders is wanted to helm the second film and it could be his next directorial effort. It's been said that the next film would focus on The Huntsman played by Chris Hemsworth. This gives the impression that Hemsworth had a stronger performance compared to Kristen Stewart's Snow White, who has little to zero dialog in the trailers and TV spots. It's also not surprising with the impending international success of Avengers and Thor 2 set to be released in November 2013. We shouldn't have to wait that long as turnaround on the first film was eight months which is very quick all things considered wouldn't be shocked to see this in theaters later 2013 or summer 2014.