HANSEL & GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS 2 is Actually Happening

When Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters finally came out in January of 2013 after a long delay, I never thought we'd see a sequel. Director Tommy Wirkola has already announced he won't be returning behind the camera for Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters 2, but Paramount isn't giving up on the idea of this becoming a franchise. According to Deadline, they've hired commercial director Bruno Aveillan to make his feature directorial debut on the sequel.

Wirkola wrote the script, and producer Adam McKay once hinted that a sequel might focus on "different kinds of witchcraft." It's unclear if stars Jeremy Renner and Gemma Arterton had to sign on for a sequel when they joined the first film, but I'd guess that they'll both be back to reprise their roles. I was a little shocked to hear that Paramount considers this a worthy project to support, but the first film pulled in over $220 million worldwide on a $50 million budget, so those numbers are good enough for them to try again.

What did you think of the first film? Looking forward to more witch hunting action?