Will Paramount Pictures still pursue with "Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters 2," now that rumors claim that "Avengers" star Jeremy Renner is most likely not going to reprise his role for the sequel?
While the original movie surprisingly did well in the box office two years ago, Renner's busy schedule with his upcoming Marvel movies and another "Bourne" sequel reportedly makes it impossible for the actor to work on another "Hansel and Gretel" film.
The original film that took place approximately 15 years following the incident in the gingerbread house earned $55 million locally and over $225 million internationally.
The "Avengers" star admitted to Kristy Puchko of Cinema Blend that Paramount has yet to ask him for the project and his knowledge is very limited.
"Not that I'm aware of, no. I know they're going to make one. I know they're writing a script. And that's when they will probably engage with any talent," Jeremy Renner answered when asked if he's already signed on a deal with the studio.
While he seemed knowledgable that there is a planned "Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters 2" movie, he seemed surprised when Puchko told him that the script has already been forwarded to the giant studio.
"Yeah (they have not), and it's ultimately going to come down to--I know they have a release date and they really want to get it out there--but I have to have the time. I'm only one man, right? And then also Gemma's availability. It'll come down to availability I'm sure."
He however said that if given the time and if asked by Paramount he's most certainly up for the movie.
"I don't have any problem with it. Yeah. It was a lot of fun. It was fun to do that movie, and just have a ball. "
But even in "Avengers" cast Jeremy Renner signs on for "Hansel and Gretel" sequel, Paramount is still short of a director after Tommy Wirkola reportedly left the project.
"I've just decided to not direct Hansel & Gretel 2," Wikola's official statement said according to Deadline.
"I have been lately attached to a few more things, it's just a matter of time and priorities. I did Dead Snow 1, then Hansel & Gretel 1, and then Dead Snow 2. I want to do something a little bit different now and not just do sequels. I did write the script and I hope to be involved in it. But yeah, I won't be directing it."
