The Huntsman: Winter's War

The Huntsman: Winter's War

Theatrical release poster
Directed by Cedric Nicolas-Troyan
Produced by Joe Roth
Written by
Based on
Starring
Narrated by Liam Neeson
Music by James Newton Howard
Cinematography Phedon Papamichael
Edited by Conrad Buff
Production
companies
Distributed by Universal Pictures
Release dates
  • March 29, 2016 (2016-03-29) (Hamburg)
  • April 22, 2016 (2016-04-22) (United States)
Running time
 114 minutes[1]
Country United States
Language English
Budget $115 million[2][3]
Box office $134.6 million[4]

The Huntsman: Winter's War[5] is a 2016 American high fantasy action adventure film based on characters from the German fairy tale "Snow White" compiled by the Brothers Grimm, as well as "The Snow Queen" by Hans Christian Andersen. Both a prequel and sequel to Snow White and the Huntsman, the film takes place before and after the events of the first film, and introduces Freya (Blunt), Queen Ravenna's sister. Betrayed by her sister (Theron), Freya (Emily Blunt) retreats to a northern kingdom to raise an army of huntsmen as her protectors. Gifted with the ability to freeze her enemies in ice, Freya teaches her young soldiers to never fall in love. As war between the siblings escalates, two huntsmen Eric and Sara unite with Freya to end Ravenna's reign.

The film is also the directing debut of Nicolas-Troyan, who acted as visual effects supervisor on the first film, Cedric Nicolas-Troyan and written by Craig Mazin and Evan Spiliotopoulos. Reprising their roles from the first film, the cast includes Chris Hemsworth as Eric, the huntsman, Charlize Theron as Queen Ravenna, Nick Frost as Nion, a Dwarf, and Sam Claflin as King William. The film also introduces new characters including Emily Blunt as Queen Freya, Ravenna's sister, Rob Brydon as Gryff, Nion's half-brother and Jessica Chastain as Sara, Eric's lover and fellow huntsman. The film was released in the United States on April 22, 2016.

Plot

Long before her death, the evil Queen Ravenna (Charlize Theron) learns that her younger sister Freya (Emily Blunt) is not only engaged in an illicit affair with Andrew: Duke of Blackwood (Colin Morgan), but is carrying his child, who is destined to become fairest of them all. Sometime after Freya gives birth to a baby girl, Freya discovers that Andrew has murdered their child and, in a grief-fueled rage, kills him with her long-suppressed ice powers.

Freya abandons the kingdom and builds herself a solitary ice palace deep in the north, murdering anyone who opposes her while amassing an army of children and training them so their hearts will be forever hardened. Eric (Chris Hemsworth) and Sara (Jessica Chastain), two of her most exceptional warriors, fall in love and plan to elope, only to learn that Freya is aware of their secret. She confronts them and creates a massive ice wall to separate them before forcing Eric to watch as Sara is killed by her fellow huntsmen.

Seven years after Ravenna's death, King William of Tabor comes across Eric and informs him that the Magic Mirror was taken while en route to a place known as "Sanctuary". Eric reluctantly sets off with Snow White's dwarf ally Nion (Nick Frost) and his half-brother Gryff (Rob Brydon) to find the Magic Mirror. Eric becomes aware that Freya has been secretly observing their conversation through a mask that projects her consciousness in the form of a Snowy owl, which he destroys.

While en route, the trio are attacked by a legion of Freya's huntsmen, but are rescued by Sara who is revealed to have been alive the entire time. Sara believes she saw Eric run away from the palace and feels betrayed by him. Eric concludes her death was a vision conjured by Freya in order to trick him. He reveals that he never stopped loving Sara and they agree to work together. Sometime later, the quartet is ensnared in a trap laid out by female dwarves Bromwyn (Sheridan Smith) and Doreena (Alexandra Roach), but convince them to help find the Mirror.

The group reaches the Sanctuary and they defeat the goblins who possess the Magic Mirror only to be ambushed by Freya, who reveals Sara was using them to find the mirror the entire time. In the chaos that follows, Nion and Doreena are turned into ice statues and Sara fires an arrow into Eric's chest at Freya's order. Freya departs with the Magic Mirror, unaware that Sara intentionally shot the arrow at a medallion she gave Eric long before, and that he is still alive.

Meanwhile, Freya approaches the Mirror and recites a spell that causes a golden liquid to emerge and transform into Ravenna, who reveals she sent her spirit into the Mirror before Snow White took her life.

Meanwhile, Eric has infiltrated the icy kingdom with help of Gryff and Bromwyn, and he attempts to murder Freya, but is stopped by Ravenna. When Freya realizes that Sara hadn't actually killed Eric, she corners her and because of Ravenna's influence, sentences them both to death. However, Eric is able to convince a few huntsmen to fight against Ravenna and Freya, claiming the love of brethren. After this, Ravenna begins killing many of the huntsmen, and Freya, realizing that she loves her huntsmen, forms an ice wall between the huntsmen and the sisters. As the remaining huntsmen climb over the wall, the two sisters argue over the icy kingdom, during which Freya discovers that Ravenna cursed Andrew into murdering her child rather than risk someone being more beautiful than she. Freya is filled with fury at this and turns against her sister, joining forces with Eric and Sara. Freya is fatally wounded, but not before she freezes the magic mirror, as Eric throws his axe, breaking the mirror and destroying Ravenna's spirit. As she dies, Freya witnesses Eric and Sara together and states they were "lucky" before succumbing to her wounds.

As the kingdom's inhabitants and huntsmen celebrate their victory, Eric and Sara kiss as they can now be together while Doreena and Nion, and Gryff and Bromwyn, confess their love to each other. Meanwhile a mysterious golden bird flies overhead, hinting that possibly Ravenna's spirit still lives.

Cast

Voices

Production

Development

A sequel to Snow White and the Huntsman was initially planned with director Rupert Sanders in talks to return. The sequel plans were changed in August 2012 to a spin-off film concentrating on the Huntsman instead, due to Sanders and Kristen Stewart becoming involved in an affair and its aftermath.[6] Universal announced a few days later that they were not shelving the sequel.[7] Another report stated that Universal authorized a sequel[8] with Stewart set to reprise her role, but without Sanders to return as the director because of the scandal.[9] A script was written and production was set to begin at some point in 2013,[8] with the film to be released in 2015.[10] In September 2013, Chris Hemsworth said that he did not know anything about a sequel, while speaking to the E! television network.[11] On June 4, 2014, Deadline reported that Frank Darabont, Gavin O'Connor and Andrés Muschietti were on the shortlist to direct a sequel.[12] On June 26, 2014, Deadline confirmed that Darabont was in talks to direct the sequel.[13]

On July 31, 2014, it was announced that the film would be a prequel titled The Huntsman, which would not star Stewart as Snow White.[14] On January 16, 2015, it was announced that Darabont had exited the film after he parted with Universal.[15] Hemsworth and Theron were set to return for the film, while Emily Blunt was being circled for a new role.[15] On January 20, 2015, it was confirmed that VFX specialist Cedric Nicolas-Troyan was set to direct the film, whose last draft was written by Darabont, following drafts by Craig Mazin and Evan Spiliotopoulos.[16]

Casting

The refectory at Waverley Abbey with fake vines and rubble added for use as a film set for The Huntsman: Winter's War.

On February 24, 2015, Jessica Chastain was set to star in the film, Nick Frost was confirmed to reprise his previous role, while Blunt, who had been rumored to be interested, finally closed a deal to star as well.[17] On March 18, 2015, it was revealed that Sheridan Smith, Rob Brydon, and Alexandra Roach were added to the cast to play dwarves alongside Frost's character Nion.[18] TheWrap confirmed on May 7, 2015 that Sam Claflin would return as William in the sequel.[19]

Filming

Principal photography on the film began on April 6, 2015.[20] Filming took place at Waverley Abbey in Surrey, England in April 2015.[21] Filming also occurred from May to July 2015 in Windsor Great Park, England, at locations including South Forest, Johnson's Pond and in the Deer Park near Snow Hill.[22] Filming was also done in Wells Bishop's Palace and Wells Cathedral.[22][23] In July 2015, filming also took place at Puzzlewood, in the Forest of Dean.[24]

Music

On October 8, 2015 it was officially announced, that James Newton Howard would return the score the film, after creating the music for Snow White and the Huntsman. The score album was released on April 22, 2016.[25]

Release

On July 31, 2014, Universal Pictures announced the film's release date would be April 22, 2016.[14] In February 2016, it was announced that the film would be released in 3D in international markets like Germany. In Poland, the theatrical release was scheduled for April 8, 2016, which was the date for many other international markets.[26]

Marketing

On November 16, 2015, Universal Pictures unveiled four character posters for the film, along with the film's new title, The Huntsman: Winter's War.[27] Three days later, on November 18, 2015, the first official trailer of the film was released, along with two additional teaser posters.[28] A second trailer debuted on February 11, 2016.[29] Universal released a final trailer on March 22, 2016.[30] Hemsworth, Theron, and Chastain introduced a performance of the film's theme song "Castle" by recording artist Halsey at the 2016 MTV Movie Awards.

Reception

Box office

As of May 5, 2016, The Huntsman: Winter's War has grossed $36.8 million in North America and $97.8 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $134.6 million, against a budget of $115 million.[4] While this would suggest break-even[31] it could actually be a huge box-office bomb, losing in excess of $70 million.[32]

North America

In the United States and Canada, early tracking suggested the film would open to $24–30 million, which was significantly lower than its predecessor's $56.2 million opening in 2012. The film opened in 3,791 theaters[2][33][34] and grossed $7.3 million on its first day,[35] including $1 million from its early Thursday night previews.[36] In its opening weekend, it grossed a lower-than-expected $19.4 million, which was about 64% less the original film's opening.[37][38] Due to its underperforming opening weekend, the film is projected to lose Universal $30–40 million, with some estimates having the total losses at up to $70 million.[39]

Outside North America

Internationally, The Huntsman: Winter's War will be released in a total of 65 countries.[40] Box office pundits believe the film will end its run at about $150 million internationally, which is lower than its predecessor's total of $240 million ($190 million in today's exchange). One notable difference is that while Winter's War has secured a release date in China, Snow White and the Huntsman did not play there, and analysts believe that could make a difference.[41] It was released in 18 countries two weeks ahead of its U.S. debut, earning $19.1 million from 3,969 screens, and had No. 1 openings in eleven of them, and second overall at the international box office charts, behind the superhero film Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.[42] In its second weekend, it added 7 new markets and grossed a total of $17.8 million, falling only by 8% from its previews weekend, and still remained at No. 2, behind The Jungle Book.[41] It was still No. 2 in its third weekend.[43] Its top openings occurred in China ($10.4 million), the United Kingdom and Ireland ($4.2 million), Brazil ($3.1 million), Mexico ($2.8 million), France ($2.6 million), Korea ($2.1 million), Russia ($2 million), the Philippines ($1.6 million), Malaysia ($1.6 million), Spain ($1.4 million), and Thailand ($1.2 million).[41][42][43] In China, it was in third place, behind local pic Yesterday Once More and the continued run of The Jungle Book.[43] It lost tremendous amount of screens in its second weekend due to the arrival of three new local pics – Book of Love, Phantom of the Theater and MBA Partners – along with the continued run of The Jungle Book and as a result it grossed just $710,000.[44][45]

In terms of total earnings, its largest markets outside of North America are China ($15.6 million), the UK ($7.3 million) and Mexico ($7.2 million).[44] There are two more territories to open: Panama on May 5 and Japan on May 27.[43]

Critical response

The Huntsman: Winter's War has received generally negative reviews from critics.[46] On Rotten Tomatoes the film has a rating of 17%, based on 171 reviews, with an average rating of 4.2/10. The site's consensus reads, "The Huntsman: Winter's War is visually arresting and boasts a stellar cast, but neither are enough to recommend this entirely unnecessary sequel."[47] On Metacritic, the film has a score of 35 out of 100, based on 41 critics, indicating "generally unfavorable reviews".[48] Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "B+" on an A+ to F scale.[36]

References

  1. ↑ "The Huntsman: Winter's War [2D] (12A)". British Board of Film Classification. March 23, 2016. Retrieved March 23, 2016.
  2. 1 2 Anita Busch (April 19, 2016). "‘The Jungle Book’ Expected To Snow Under ‘The Huntsman: Winter’s War’". Deadline.com. Retrieved April 20, 2016.
  3. ↑ Scott Mendelson (April 10, 2016). "Box Office: 'Batman V Superman' Nears $800M Worldwide, 'Jungle Book' And 'Huntsman' Open Overseas". Forbes. Retrieved April 11, 2016.
  4. 1 2 "The Huntsman: Winter's War (2016)". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved May 6, 2016.
  5. ↑ Coggan, Devan (2015-01-17). "See Charlize Theron, Jessica Chastain in new The Huntsman: Winter's War character posters". EW.com. Retrieved 2015-11-16.
  6. ↑ Kim Masters (August 14, 2012). "Kristen Stewart Dropped from 'Snow White' Sequel Plans (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on December 19, 2013. Retrieved August 15, 2012.
  7. ↑ Ann Lee (August 14, 2012). "Kristen Stewart hasn't been dropped from Snow White sequel, says studio". Metro. Archived from the original on October 25, 2013. Retrieved August 16, 2012.
  8. 1 2 Sieczkowski, Cavan (December 21, 2012). "Kristen Stewart Confirmed For 'Snow White And The Huntsman' Sequel: 'I'm So Excited'". The Huffington Post. Archived from the original on December 24, 2012. Retrieved December 26, 2012.
  9. ↑ Sen, Abhijeet (November 20, 2012). "Kristen Stewart to star in 'Snow White' sequel sans cheating director". RealBollywood.com. Archived from the original on November 22, 2012. Retrieved April 20, 2013.
  10. ↑ Chitwood, Adam (April 16, 2013). "Universal Aiming for 2015 Release for Snow White and the Huntsman 2; "Actively Working" on Next Bourne". collider.com. Archived from the original on April 19, 2013. Retrieved April 20, 2013.
  11. ↑ Malec, Brett; Malkin, Marc (September 9, 2013). "Chris Hemsworth Talks "Awkward" Naked Movie Scenes, Snow White Sequel With Kristen Stewart". E!. Archived from the original on September 17, 2013. Retrieved September 10, 2013.
  12. ↑ Fleming, Jr, Mike (June 4, 2014). "‘Huntsman 2′ Helmer Short List: Frank Darabont, Gavin O’Connor, Andy Muschietti". Deadline.com. Archived from the original on August 5, 2014. Retrieved June 4, 2014.
  13. ↑ Fleming, Jr, Mike (June 26, 2014). "Frank Darabont In Talks To Direct ‘Snow White And The Huntsman 2′". Deadline.com. Archived from the original on July 7, 2014. Retrieved June 26, 2014.
  14. 1 2 "Universal’s Snow White Prequel ‘Huntsman’ Targets April 2016 Release". Deadline.com. July 31, 2014. Archived from the original on August 5, 2014. Retrieved August 1, 2014.
  15. 1 2 Fleming Jr, Mike (January 16, 2015). "Frank Darabont Exits ‘The Huntsman'; Emily Blunt Still Circling". deadline.com. Retrieved January 17, 2015.
  16. ↑ Kroll, Justin (January 20, 2015). "Cedric Nicolas-Troyan to Replace Frank Darabont as ‘Huntsman’ Director". variety.com. Retrieved January 21, 2015.
  17. ↑ Jaafar, Ali (February 24, 2015). "Jessica Chastain Joins ‘The Huntsman’ For Universal". deadline.com. Retrieved February 26, 2015.
  18. ↑ Ford, Rebecca (March 18, 2015). "Universal's 'The Huntsman' Finds Its Dwarves (Exclusive)". hollywoodreporter.com. Retrieved March 22, 2015.
  19. ↑ Sneider, Jeff; Verhoeven, Beatrice (May 7, 2015). "Sam Claflin Returns for ‘The Huntsman’ Without Kristen Stewart’s Snow White". thewrap.com. Retrieved May 9, 2015. Sam Claflin, who played Snow White’s love interest William in “Snow White and the Huntsman,” will return for Universal’s sequel “The Huntsman,”
  20. ↑ Panosian, Diane (April 6, 2015). "On the Set for 4/6/15: 'Captain America: Civil War' & 'The Huntsman' Start Shooting, Ryan Coogler Wraps 'Rocky' Sequel 'Creed'". ssninsider.com. Retrieved April 6, 2015.
  21. ↑ "Surrey Film Locations". SurreyLife. 22 April 2015. Retrieved 28 June 2015.
  22. 1 2 "The Huntsman filming starts as Chris Hemsworth, Emily Blunt don Medieval costumes on set; Extras needed for filming". vcpost.com. July 6, 2015. Retrieved July 7, 2015.
  23. ↑ "Hollywood film set in Wells includes fake castle". Wells Journal. July 8, 2015. Retrieved December 2, 2015.
  24. ↑ "Show business: Hollywood visits Gloucestershire to film Huntsman movie at Puzzlewood". South West Business. Retrieved 21 July 2015.
  25. ↑ http://filmmusicreporter.com/2016/03/24/the-huntsman-winters-war-soundtrack-details/. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  26. ↑ "Łowca i Królowa Lodu" (in Polish). Filmweb. Retrieved 21 April 2016.
  27. ↑ Coggan, Devon (November 16, 2015). "See Charlize Theron, Jessica Chastain in new The Huntsman: Winter’s War character posters". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved November 16, 2015.
  28. ↑ Coggan, Devon (November 18, 2015). "Charlize Theron and Emily Blunt amass an army of darkness in The Huntsman: Winter’s War trailer". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved November 18, 2015.
  29. ↑ Comingsoon.net Staff (February 11, 2016). "The New Huntsman: Winter’s War Trailer is Here!". Comingsoon.net. Retrieved February 11, 2016.
  30. ↑ Scott Mendelson (March 22, 2016). "'Huntsman: Winter's War,' With Emily Blunt, Charlize Theron, Jessica Chastain, Gets Final Trailer". Forbes. Retrieved March 22, 2016.
  31. ↑ http://www.avclub.com/article/huntsman-winters-wars-icy-reception-could-cost-its-236379
  32. ↑ http://variety.com/2016/film/news/the-huntsman-faces-steep-writedown-after-chilly-box-office-results-1201760908/
  33. ↑ Brent Lang (April 20, 2016). "Box Office: ‘The Huntsman: Winter’s War’ No Match for ‘The Jungle Book’". Variety. Retrieved April 21, 2016.
  34. ↑ Brad Brevet (April 21, 2016). "'Jungle Book' To Repeat at #1 Over 'The Huntsman: Winter's War'". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved April 22, 2016.
  35. ↑ Scott Mendelson (April 23, 2016). "Box Office: 'Huntsman: Winter's War' Gets Iced With Chilly $7.3M Friday". Forbes. Retrieved April 23, 2016.
  36. 1 2 "'Jungle Book’ Remains King Of The B.O. With $52M-$57M; ‘Huntsman’ Seeking $21M-$23M". deadline.com.
  37. ↑ Anthony D'Alessandro (April 23, 2016). "‘Jungle Book’ Still A Box Office Bestseller With $60.8M, ‘Huntsman’ Trips With $20.1M – Saturday AM Update". Deadline.com. Retrieved April 24, 2016.
  38. ↑ Scott Mendelson (April 24, 2016). "Weekend Box Office: 'The Huntsman' Opens 64% Lower Than 'Snow White And The Huntsman'". Forbes. Retrieved April 24, 2016.
  39. ↑ Brent Lang (April 26, 2016). "'Huntsman’ Faces Steep Writedown After Chilly Box Office Results". Variety. Retrieved April 27, 2016.
  40. ↑ Nancy Tartaglione (April 9, 2016). "‘The Huntsman: Winter’s War’ Waging $21.3M Weekend In Offshore Bow – Intl Box Office". Deadline.com. Retrieved April 10, 2016.
  41. 1 2 3 Nancy Tartaglione (April 17, 2016). "‘The Jungle Book’ Jumps To $138.6M; Passing $300M WW Today, ‘Batman v Superman’ At $829M WW – Intl B.O. Final". Deadline.com. Retrieved April 18, 2016.
  42. 1 2 Nancy Tartaglione (April 11, 2016). "‘Batman V Superman’ At $487.7M Offshore; ‘Jungle Book’ Swings With $31.7M; ‘Huntsman’ Misses Mark; ‘Zootopia’ Sets Dis China Record – Intl B.O. Final". Deadline.com. Retrieved April 12, 2016.
  43. 1 2 3 4 Nancy Tartaglione (April 24, 2016). "‘Jungle Book’ A $337M Offshore Beast As ‘Huntsman’ Musters $80M; ‘Zootopia’ Tops $900M Global – Intl B.O. Update". Deadline.com. Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  44. 1 2 Nancy Tartaglione (May 1, 2016). "‘Captain America: Civil War’ Blasts Off With $200.2M In First Overseas Frame; ‘Jungle Book’ Still A Beast – Intl Box Office Update". Deadline.com. Retrieved May 1, 2016.
  45. ↑ Patrick Frater (May 1, 2016). "China Box Office: ‘Book of Love’ Wins May Day Weekend". Variety. Retrieved May 2, 2016.
  46. ↑ http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/22/movies/review-the-huntsman-a-study-in-hollywoods-overstuffed-playbook.html
  47. ↑ "The Huntsman: Winter's War (2016)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved May 2, 2016.
  48. ↑ "The Huntsman: Winter's War reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved April 22, 2016.

External links

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