'THE HUNTSMAN' NEW CHARACTER POSTERS RELEASED WITH NEW TITLE BUT HUNTSMAN MISSES SPOTLIGHT AS FANS QUESTION PREQUEL CLAIM

Universal

Universal Pictures revealed the new title, plot and character posters for 'The Huntsman' now known as The Huntsman Winter's War.

It appears that Universal may have to combat some trolling references to Frozen and Captain America: The Winter Soldier being tossed around due to Chris Hemsworth's Marvel connection and Emily Blunts movie poster (below) which appear to give a wink and a nod in name and appearance to the successful Disney films.

More after the break

RUMORED: SNOW WHITE DROPPED FOR HUNTSMAN SPINOFF~ HOLLYWOOD SHUTS OUT FEMALE LED BLOCKBUSTER

Universal

UPDATE (July 31, 2014): Universal has confirmed that it will not pursue SWATH 2 but proceed with a pre-quel named 'The Huntsman' starring Chris Hemsworth and Charlize Theron. 

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Over a year ago, it was rumored that Universal was poised to make a spinoff to Snow White and The Huntsman excluding Kristen Stewart's Snow White in favor of solely featuring Chris Hemsworth's huntsman. According to reports, it appears that it is coming to fruition.

Deadline is reporting that Frank Darabont, creator of The Walking Dead, is in talks to direct what would be a spinoff of a "Huntsman only" film.  

The Wrap writes that Hemsworth is a "bigger star" since the release of 'The Avengers' films which is the reason for the change.

Maybe someone missed what happened at the Cannes Films Festival this year. Or maybe the fact that Stewart's film 'American Ultra' was only in script stage when Lionsgate purchased its rights after its presentation at the Berlin Film Festival for a "massive" $7 million. Bigger star?

The Wrap is further reporting that it is possible that Stewart "could" make "cameo appearances."  This could be seen as a ploy to give her fans a wink and a nod in order to use them to pad the box office.  But will they bite? (vampire pun)

Charlize Theron is set to "reprise her role as the evil queen, who was left trapped in her own mirror at the end of the first film," according to The Wrap. 

If this is true, then Hollywood would have dumped a strong female lead role for another male dominated action flick (which are a dime a dozen) particularly after the success of the fantasy film 'Maleficent' (BOM: $527,484,928 worldwide). 

Sure, it'll have another female in it, however she will not be the featured lead. Popping in the evil queen through a mirror just won't cut it. 

Stay tuned. 



                        Darabont





via @dani_pitter
Photo Credit: Deadline

RUMORED SHORT LIST OF DIRECTORS NAMED FOR SWATH 2 AND RELEASE DATE UPDATE

Universal

Yesterday, we reported IMDb updated the SWATH 2 release date to 2016.  It had been obvious for a while that production would have a tough time beginning this year with Chris Hemsworth's extensive filming schedule for the Avengers sequel.

Today, Deadline reported that there is a "rumored" short list of directors being considered for SWATH 2. 

Deadline reports the list "consists of Frank Darabont, Gavin O’Connor and Andy Muschietti." 

"This is an intriguing group of filmmakers. Darabont, after helming The Shawshank Redemption and The Green Mile, hatched The Walking Dead and helped forge it into cable TV’s top-rated drama before getting fired. He hasn’t helmed a feature since 2007′s The Mist. Then there is O’Connor, who directed the cult favorite film Warrior as well as Miracle and stepped in and saved the Natalie Portman starrer Jane Got A Gun. Then there is Muschietti, the Mama helmer who was tapped by Universal to reboot its The Mummy franchise, before he fell out of that project. 

Deadline reports that Hemsworth had to refuse a role in the sci-fi film 'Brilliance'.  Furthermore, that "Universal and Roth Films are trying to have the Huntsman movie for 2016."  Which confirms the IMDb change. 

IMDb also added Australian actress/dancer Scarlet Rowe to the cast list as the character 'Darcy'; however, there has been no confirmation regarding this addition yet. 


    
Deadline

KRISTEN & CHARLIZE ARE ONE OF "ASK MEN'S" TOP DESIRABLE WOMEN OF 2013

Ask Men released their list of the Most Desirable Women of 2013.  Both Kristen Stewart (#7) and Charlize Theron (#97) make the list. 

The Top 10 are:

10.  Michelle Jenneke - Athlete
 9.  Jessica Pare - Actress
 8.  Jessica Gomes - Model
 7.  Kristen Stewart - Actress
 6.  Miranda Kerr - Model
 5.  Emma Stone - Actress
 4.  Rihanna - Singer
 3.  Kate Upton - Model
 2.  Mila Kunis - Actress
 1.  Jennifer Lawrence - Actress

Based on many factors, the Ask Men readers clearly made a statement that what makes a woman desirable isn't just based on a great body and gorgeous looks.  It includes career accomplishments, intelligence and more. 

More after the jump

CHRIS HEMSWORTH AWAITS SWATH 2 NEWS

Photo Source

Although he'll be busy next year with The Avengers 2, Chris Hemsworth is still patiently waiting for the word on SWATH 2.

In this Clevver TV News interview during the Thor: The Dark World press junket, Clevver tells Chris that everyone is waiting for SWATH 2 as well.  It was nice to hear his surprise that fans are steadfastly waiting for the sequel too.  

Check out the interview below.

Source 

SWATH WRITER DAVID KOEPP HINTS AT THREE-QUEL

"There's plenty to go," said Koepp, who has been pulling some of his new characters from Russian fairy tales. "There's also a great idea for a third movie." 

During a movie screening, Vulture spoke with SWATH screenwriter David Koepp about the upcoming sequel.  Koepp provided a little more insight not only into SWATH 2, but with any luck a SWATH 3 could be possible.

"It's like The Empire Strikes Back,"  says Koepp. "I felt like they had a really, really great idea that seemed like a natural extension of the story ... Snow White is queen now, but the mirror is still there. It doesn't bode well for our innocent little queen."

What is that mirror up to?  Oh the intrigue.  2015 cannot get here fast enough!





via/Source  

KRISTEN STEWART OUT OF 'FOCUS'

Variety reports that Kristen Stewart will no longer be attached with the film 'Focus'.  After Ben Affleck dropped out due to other commitments, a new leading man was needed.  Wil Smith has signed on, however Stewart feels that the age difference is too great to continue.

Up next, Stewart will begin filming The Big Shoe which co-stars Elizabeth Banks (The Hunger Games) in June.  It was just announced that SWATH 2 will be released in 2015 where Stewart will reprise her role as Snow White.  No production date has been announced. 



 Photo: Google Images

SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN SEQUEL SET FOR 2015 RELEASE

Universal Pictures Chairman Adam Fogelson breaks a little news at CinemaCon Tuesday stating that the SWATH sequel is set to be released in 2015, according to Deadline.  The script is currently under development.

Kristen Stewart confirmed her return.  Look out in the future for more announcements regarding the cast and crew. 

UNIVERSAL CONFIRMS SWATH SEQUEL STORYLINE WILL FEATURE KRISTEN STEWART'S 'SNOW WHITE'

Photo Source: THR

Universal Studios Chairman Adam Fogelson has confirmed what direction the SWATH sequel story will take in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.

Last December, Deadline reported that SWATH Producer Joe Roth stated that a script for the sequel was written and turned in by screenwriter Evan Daugherty. Kristen Stewart confirmed seeing a script which she said she liked in her own Stewart-y way.

Now Fogelson gives insight on the story's angle. 

Fogelson to THR: "We're actively developing the movie right now with Kristen's character central, as well as the Huntsman role. We think that for a first movie out of the gate to do basically $400 million worldwide, there is a lot of opportunity.

He also confirmed that the sequel will most likely have a different director. 

So there you have it unless something changes.  The studio, the producer and the lead actress all have confirmed that a sequel script is in development.  

Now the only thing left is to determine the title, the new and returning cast members and the first day of pre-production.  So let the race to the premiere begin!!

Read more about Universal's upcoming projects (Fifty Shades of Grey, The Bourne Series & more) here.



Source

SAM CLAFLIN IS ON BOARD TO DO A SWATH SEQUEL 

MTV

Sam Claflin Speaking to InStyle, the actor said: "I haven't heard anything about [a Snow White sequel]," adding: "I'd be more than willing to get on board with that, I had so much fun on the first one. I enjoyed working with all the guys so I'd be happy to relive that experience."

Kristen Stewart has also indicated her excitement to do a sequel and further indications that a script is in process of being written by SWATH screenwriter Evan Daugherty.

Claflin continues to pick up projects.  As recently reported, he will be starring with the other Snow White Lily Collins in Love Rosie as we await to see him in his next blockbuster Catching Fire this November.

Stewart is slated to begin filming her next project Focus this April.



Source

THE YEAR THAT WAS...

A LOOK BACK 

SNOW WHITE & THE HUNTSMAN  

TOP 10 MEMORIES

Snow White and the Huntsman a.k.a. SWATH was finally released worldwide on June 1, 2012. Although it did not meet the taste of some critics, it met the fans' expectations in a big way.  

On the second day of January 2011, the SWATH pre-visualization teaser footage was created.  The footage was shown at the San Diego ComicCon in June 2011 which eventually became the movie seen a year later.  

Now with a sequel in the future, here are the 'Top 10 SWATH Memories'  that led up to the year that was.

                    WELCOME 2013!!!

TO ALL OF THE SWATH FANS, CAST AND CREW FROM AROUND THE WORLD:

HAVE A SAFE AND WONDERFUL NEW YEAR AND LET'S GET READY TO SUPPORT THE NEXT PHASE OF THE FRANCHISE ~ SWATH 2!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM

THE ENCHANTING BEAUTY!

Dancerone

Cheermom

"The World's First SWATH fansite"

SWATH LEADS UNIVERSAL TO ITS BEST BOX OFFICE YEAR EVER AS STEWART CONFIRMS THE SWATH SEQUEL HAS THE GREENLIGHT

Universal

Although we had been hearing whispers for some time, receiving winks and nods from sources and plenty of tweets trying to get us to state the status, it would have been irresponsible to state anything was for sure without anyone going on record or official word from Universal regarding the SWATH sequel. From all accounts, Universal is keeping things hushed for the time being unless it is a cruel joke.  

However, it appears that Kristen Stewart has let the cat out of the bag (not a slip of a tongue) herself during an interview for the release of her next movie On the Road even though she hinted at it once before.  

Here are her statements as they were reported by Indiewire sans an official announcement from Universal as it appears that SWATH 2 is a go.  

Here are the interview questions as reported by Indiewire. WARNING: Language:

STEWART SAYS SWATH SEQUEL MAY BE IN THE FUTURE

During a 'Breaking Dawn 2' press junket interview last week, 'The Hollywood Reporter' asked Kristen if a SWATH sequel was a possibility.  She said, "No one's positive or anything, but I think there is a strong possibility."

Her answer has led to quite a bit of speculation.  Will she be included in the sequel?  Are they going ahead with plans for a SWATH sequel focused more on the Huntsman??  At this point, no one knows. Nothing has been confirmed or denied from Universal.

We will keep our ears open for any future talk of a second SWATH movie and let you know what we find out.

Here is an excerpt from the interview where she answers the question about SWATH's future.



Source

RUPERT SANDERS TO DIRECT 

'THE JULIET'

Universal

Deadline is reporting that SWATH Director Rupert Sanders is set to direct Sony Pictures and New Regency project The Juliet.  Production will begin next spring. 

The film is described as a science fiction "Bonnie and Clyde" with Bourne Identity overtones.

Sanders was recently rumored to helm Universal's next installment of the Van Helsing franchise which has Tom Cruise connected to the project. 

There is still no official word as to where the SWATH sequel stands to date.




Source

SANDERS MAY BE TAKING ON ANOTHER FRANCHISE LEAVING SWATH 2 BEHIND

Universal

Universal has yet to issue an official announcement regarding an updated status of a SWATH sequel; however it appears that SWATH director Rupert Sanders may get his hands on another one.

IndieWire is reporting that Sanders could be in talks with Universal to reboot the "Van Helsing" franchise which Tom Cruise is set to be both producer and star. 

Cruise is not unknown to the vampire world as he starred in the cult classic Interview with a Vampire alongside Brad Pitt as the villainous vampire Lestat. 

Although talks are early on, this could lead Sanders away from a SWATH sequel.  When Universal decides the "direction" it wants to take, SWATH 2 may have a new director.  

It is clear that Universal definitely wants to keep Sanders in its fold. Deadline reported back in August that Universal purchased the rights to '90 Church which is also being produced by SWATH producers Joe Roth and Palak Patel.  Sanders is reported to be attached to direct the project. 

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When initial SWATH sequel writer David Koepp departed, he told Movieline in an interview in August that he could not imagine writing the sequel without  Kristen Stewart being a part of it. 

Here is an excerpt of Movieline's report of the Koepp departure: 

"...I really liked" involving Stewart's character [Koepp said]. "And their situation, I hear, changed a little, so they weren't interested in pursuing that idea anymore." 

Koepp said that was a sign for him to move on. "I felt like there was a good path with her, but then they wanted to explore a different thing that I had no ideas for," he explained. "If you don't have any ideas, you should probably put your pen in your backpack and go home." As a result, he added, "we agreed to part ways and stay friends." 

"When I asked Koepp if he could see a sequel to Snow White and the Huntsman being made sans Stewart, he replied: "Well, I couldn't. That was why I felt like I couldn't follow through."


Although reports have had the sequel being steered towards a "Hunstman" movie only, SWATH fans definitely had a say when The Hollywood Reporter announced that Stewart was "dropped."  Universal received an earful via Twitter which led to the release of "the direction" statement. 

Sanders did not have any contractual options for a SWATH sequel unlike Stewart and Chris Hemsworth who is now seeking a better pay day for his work in films. 

Whoever Universal signs on as the new director, let us hope that the sequel will include both Snow White and the Huntsman and have the film stepped up another notch in story quality while maintaining the cinematic quality that Sanders has developed. Hopefully we will hear some positive news soon. 


Source/Source

FORMER SEQUEL WRITER KOEPP TALKS LEAVING SWATH: COULD SOCIAL MEDIA PLAY A ROLE ON SWATH'S  DIRECTION?

Rama's Screen

"Yes, no, could be, could be not, who's to say?" The back and forth regarding "who's in" and "who's out" for a SWATH sequel or spinoff could be a battleship about to sink and one of the casualties could be a likable guy if social media takes hold.   

In an interview, Rama's Screen reports what former SWATH screenwriter David Koepp judiciously said about his involvement and departure with the sequel.  

"I’m not involved with that anymore."  "There was a storyline I was pursuing that it turns out they don’t want to pursue, so we’re parting as friends. You have to have an idea and don’t take a job if you don’t have an idea and if you do have an idea, pursue it because ideas are currency. That’s what you’ve got. I had an idea I was excited about it and we pursued it for a while but then they wanted to go in a different direction."

Rama's Screen states that Universal will be pursuing a story about the Huntsman's background.  It is unknown if this statement is based on something new or based on what The Hollywood Reporter wrote about back in April.  Letting go one of Hollywood's top writers for an undisclosed reason leaves open questions for what is being penned now.

But if this is based on current information, the question is, "Can the film survive fan backlash?"

More after the jump

UNIVERSAL RELEASES STATEMENT DENYING STEWART "DROP" STORY

Deadline is reporting that Universal has release a statement which is uncommon for studios to do, in order to refute the claims that Kristen Stewart was "dropped" from the SWATH sequel.

The statement is as follows:

Universal Co-Chairman Donna Langley: “We are extremely proud of Snow White And The Huntsman and we’re currently exploring all options to continue the franchise. Any reports that Kristen Stewart has been dropped are false.”



Due to Universal issuing this statement, we will continue with the fansite.  So, look out for more news, hopefully good, for SWATH in the future. 

HEMSWORTH UP FOR GLAMOUR'S "SEXIEST MAN of 2012"

W

Glamour just released its annual Sexiest Man of 2012 list of who they consider to be the sexiest men in the world of entertainment. Fans can vote for their favorite guy ranging from Brad Pitt to Will.I.Am. 


Although Sam Claflin did not make the list, SWATH's Huntsman Chris Hemsworth did.  Glamour writes: 





Chris Hemsworth


Age: 28


Single? Chris Hemsworth became one of Hollywood’s hottest dads, when his wife Elsa gave birth to a little girl. Sorry, ladies, this man’s definitely taken.
See Him Next: 2013’s a busy year for this fella: he’s set to play racing ace James Hunt in Rush, there’s more Thor and Snow White And The Huntsman’s rumoured to be coming back for a sequel.






Vote for Chris here or write-in Sam or your favorite SWATH guy here! 

SWATH SEQUEL FULL STEAM AHEAD

Source (New BTS Image)

The SWATH sequel will be proceeding ahead according to The Hollywood Reporter. 


"Universal began moving forward with a sequel by hiring David Koepp, one of Hollywood's highest-paid screenwriters, to pen a follow-up. With a worldwide gross of $382 million on a $170 million-plus budget, Snow White is a modest if not mammoth hit, and the studio is said to be committed to extending the franchise."


Furthermore, THR reports that Kristen Stewart who plays Snow White, has "sequel language" within her contract.  Although Rupert Sanders is said to be working on the sequel, his contract does not include a sequel.  Universal states he will be involved, for now.














Source