Following shortly after our announcement that the Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters sequel had secured a new director, we are now learning that Paramount has plans to rework the planned follow up effort into a small screen series. According to Deadline, the studio thinks there is greater value in the property as a small screen adaptation. Apparently, the news comes as a surprise to the talent involved with the planned feature film sequel and is not a 100% done deal at this juncture. But it is looking like that’s the direction the series is eventually headed. Gary Sanchez is already on board to produce and MGM will also be a partner in the television series.
Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters was released in 2013 and made just $55 million domestically against a budget of $50 million but it took in $226 million at the global box office. Bruno Aveillan was recently tapped to be at the helm of the sequel. But at this juncture, it looks like the studio has plans to start over from scratch for talent both on and off screen. Deadline is speculating that even means recasting the lead roles.
The first film follows adult versions of Hansel and Gretel from the beloved fairy tale as they work to eradicate the world of witches. It stars Gemma Arterton and Jeremy Renner who were both expected to be on board for the sequel but will likely not appear in the small screen version.
No word just yet on plot details, a targeted release date for the series, or anything of that nature but we will keep you in the loop as soon as we know more!
