So, is this more post-scandal fallout for Kristen Stewart, or Universal sticking to a plan they hinted at a while ago? If we were to guess… it's probably the latter.
Whatever is going on in his personal life, Universal still believes in director Rupert Sanders, and, even more, they very much believe in Chris Hemsworth. As for Stewart? Maybe not so much. Deadline reveals that the already-developing "Snow White And The Huntsman" sequel is pulling back a bit, as decisions need to be made about whether it will be a direct follow-up, or a spinoff centered on Hemsworth. Now before KStew fans lose their marbles, it must be said that way back in April, this idea was already being toyed around with so it isn't exactly a shock. And add to that the fact that Hemsworth already leads a lucrative franchise in "Thor," is part of billion dollar "The Avengers" and stars in Ron Howard's "Rush" at the studio… if we were the accountants, he would seem to be the safer bet on his own. And certainly, everyone at Uni want to keep him happy and under their roof. But right now, there is no work being done until a firm decision is made on what direction the follow-up will take—and it should be noted that Sanders isn't optioned for the sequel (though, obviously, he's a contender).
But if he doesn't return for more 'Huntsman,' Universal has something else to keep him busy, snapping up the rights to the upcoming book "90 Church: The True Story of the Narcotics Squad From Hell" for him to direct. Penned by Dean Unkefer, the book tells the exploits of a group of thirty Federal Bureau of Narcotics agents, who took on the Mafia and organized crime (while the FBI turned its head) during the '60s and '70s to make cases and bring criminals to justice using a variety of means, from informers to more direct means of persuasion. 'Huntsman' producers Joe Roth and Palak Patel will team with Deborah Giarratana and work with Sanders to get this one developed. Sounds interesting enough, although, kind of almost exactly like "Gangster Squad" in a way, just with a different period setting.
So tabloid stuff aside, Sanders is moving on, as is Stewart who recently signed for "Lie Down In Darkness" and Robert Pattinson who joined Werner Herzog's "Queen Of The Desert" earlier today. Maybe the rest of the media can move on as well?
