Deadline have reported that Paramount Pictures have hired Bruno Aveillan to direct the sequel to 2013 action-horror-comedy HANSEL AND GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS.
The original film saw Jeremy Renner and Gemma Arterton as the fairy tale children grow up to become kick-arse bounty hunters dedicated to wiping out witches.
It is slightly surprising to hear that the film will have a sequel as it did received a mixed reception and it was the biggest grossing film of that year. It cost $50 million (approx £32 million) movie to make and it grossed approximately $226 million (approx £146 million) at the global box office. That’s not a bad effort, but it may come as a surprise to have a sequel quite so soon.
With his involvement with THE AVENGERS and the latest MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – ROGUE NATION Renner’s busy schedule may have delayed the production process of the  sequel – and he is likely to have an array of film offers on the table to pick from.Â
The sequel was confirmed back in September 2014, when the original film’s writer-director Tommy Wirkola announced that he would not be returning to direct HANSEL AND GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS 2, although he did confirm having written a follow-up script.
Since then, there has been very little information revealed about the follow-up project – until now of course! It has now been revealed that Aveillan, who is largely known for his work on short films and commercials, will make his feature debut on the sequel, bringing Wirkola’s screenplay to life.
There has been no confirmation as of yet whether or not Renner and Arterton will reprise their roles, but the original film’s producers Adam McKay, Will Ferrell, Kevin Messick and Beau Flynn remain on board.
