Frank Darabont is no longer set to direct The Huntsman, Universal’s planned sequel to Snow White and the Huntsman. Despite the change, Into the Woods star Emily Blunt is still in talks to star.
Darabont and Universal split on friendly terms, but Deadline reports that it was “creative differences” that forced him to leave. The site says that Universal does have an idea of who they want to direct and are still hoping to get the film out on April 22, 2016.
The Huntsman will drop Kristen Stewart’s Snow White character and is set to focus on Chris Hemsworth’s character. Charlize Theron, who played the evil queen in the first film, is expected to come back.
Darabont had been linked to the film in June 2014.
Snow White and the Huntsman was directed by Rupert Sanders and grossed $400 million worldwide, despite poor reviews.
Darabont hasn’t directed a film since 2007’s The Mist, but he did develop AMC’s The Walking Dead for television and oversaw the hit zombie show’s first season. He remains best known for his beloved Stephen King adaptations, The Green Mile and The Shawshank Redemption.
As for Blunt, she’s coming off of Disney’s Into The Woods and Warner Bros.’ Edge of Tomorrow. Sources told TheWrap that she’s in talks to play the evil queen’s sister, the Snow Queen.
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