Back in 2013, Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters (which starred Jeremy Renner and Gemma Arterton) was something of an unexpected hit, despite failing to impress critics. Although the $50 million movie made only $55 million domestically, the fact that it racked up an additional $170 million overseas meant that Paramount has been slowly eyeing a sequel ever since.
When we last heard, Bruno Aveillan had been chosen to take the helm and Renner and Arterton were being eyed to reprise their roles (whether or not they’d be willing to do so is another matter), but Deadline now reports that the plan may have drastically changed. That’s because the Hansel & Gretel sequel has apparently been halted, as the studio is instead considering launching the property as a cable TV series through Paramount TV, with Gary Sanchez producing and MGM partnering up with them.
Those involved with the big screen follow-up are said to have been totally taken by surprise over this move, but it’s not the first time that Paramount has decided to place one of their unreliable movie franchises to the big screen; it was recently revealed that Jack Ryan is heading to Amazon after the disappointing movie, which starred Chris Pine in the title role.
Going back to Hansel & Gretel though, and it sounds like Paramount will be starting from scratch with this one, so Renner and Arterton are free and clear.
Tell us, are you excited to see this property adapted for television, or would you have preferred a proper sequel?
