Tommy Wirkola updates status of Hansel and Gretel Witch Hunters 2

Last Updated on July 22, 2021

Hot on the heels of our exclusive clip from Tommy Wirkola’s DEAD SNOW 2: RED VS. DEAD comes an update on what may be the director’s follow-up film: HANSEL AND GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS 2. The sequel (obviously) to his modestly successful studio venture, it was pegged for a 2016 release by a Paramount Pictures executive back in June. But just how close is it to becoming a reality?

Wirkola spoke to Shock Till You Drop at a recent DEAD SNOW 2 screening and revealed that even though the script has been written, the film is not necessarily ready to go before cameras. Read on:

I’ve written the script for it… I’ve given it to Paramount and it’s up to them now. But I don’t know what’s going to happen. Jeremy [Renner] is so busy these days, I don’t know how they’re going to juggle all of that, but it’s up to [Paramount]. We’ll see. Hopefully, I’ll get to do another film first. They really liked the script I gave them. The first film was a learning curve for me working in the studio system and the script I wrote for the original was so different. We ended up taking a lot out and altering stuff that first time. I’m smarter now. I tried taking what I learned and still delivered a sequel script that’s an R-rated action film.”

Paramount loves building franchises, and since HANSEL AND GRETEL made over $225 million after a $50 million budget, it’s understandable they’d want to see what they can get out of a tightly-budgeted sequel. That said, Jeremy Renner’s schedule is indeed pretty packed; he’s still shooting THE AVENGERS 2 and will then embark on another BOURNE LEGACY movie, so a lot will depend on his free time.

What’s most interesting is Wirkola’s comment that he hopes to make another film before returning to the Hansel and Gretel world. After seeing and loving DEAD SNOW 2, I’m honestly rooting for him to tackle something new and different.

Gemma Arterton