When it was announced that Jessica Chastain had signed onto THE HUNTSMAN, I’d assumed it was for the “evil sister” role that Emily Blunt had been circling a few weeks back.
But no, Chastain will be starring alongside Blunt and returning stars Chris Hemsworth, Charlize Theron, and the recently re-signed Nick Frost in Universal’s spinoff. No word on who the crimson-haired actress will play, but don’t expect her character to be related, in any way, to Kirsten Stewart’s Snow White: the story will serve as a prequel, establishing the titular HUNTSMAN’s relationship with Charlize’s evil queen.
My money’s on Chastain co-starring as The Huntsman’s doomed wife, whose death leads Hemsworth’s character to the angry, miserable state he was in at the outset of the first film.
It was a bummer when Frank Darabont left the directing job in the hands of the VFX supervisor, but hearing that these huge female stars, as well as MR. NICK FROST, are onboard, I have to admit I’m having a hard time blowing this project off. Charlize’s Ravenna was easily the highlight of the first film, so if they have two more juicy roles for these esteemed actresses to sink their talented, pearly-white teeth into, it very well may be worth the price tag, no?
They’re shooting soon, so we should be hearing which other cast members (particularly those playing dwarves) will be joining the aforementioned names soon enough.
