The Huntsman: Winter's War

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The Huntsman: Winter's War
File:The Huntsman – Winter's War poster.jpg
Theatrical release poster
Directed by Cedric Nicolas-Troyan
Produced by Joe Roth
Written by <templatestyles src="Plainlist/styles.css"/>
Based on <templatestyles src="Plainlist/styles.css"/>
Starring <templatestyles src="Plainlist/styles.css"/>
Narrated by Liam Neeson
Music by James Newton Howard
Cinematography Phedon Papamichael
Edited by Conrad Buff
Production
companies
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Distributed by Universal Pictures
Release dates
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  • 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 $160.8 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. The film was directed by Cedric Nicolas-Troyan (in his directorial debut) and written by Craig Mazin and Evan Spiliotopoulos. Reprising their roles from the first film, the cast includes Chris Hemsworth, Charlize Theron, Nick Frost and Sam Claflin, and also introduces new actors including Emily Blunt, Rob Brydon and Jessica Chastain. 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, and he destroys it.

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. Freya made them both see what she wanted them to see. 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). They convince the female dwarves 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. Freya reveals that Sara was just 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, but she is 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. Ravenna reveals that 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. He attempts to murder Freya, but is stopped by Ravenna. When Freya realizes that Sara hadn't actually killed Eric, she sentences them both to death because of Ravenna's influence. 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. Freya, realizes that she loves her huntsmen and 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. 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 are "lucky" and then succumbs 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 Ravenna's spirit still lives.

Cast

Production

Development

A sequel to Snow White and the Huntsman was initially planned with director Rupert Sanders in talks to return.[citation needed] 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

File:Waverley Abbey refectory for Huntsman movie.jpg
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 29, 2016, The Huntsman: Winter's War has grossed $47.5 million in North America and $113.1 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $160.6 million, against a budget of $115 million.[4] The film was a disappointment at the box office.

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][31][32] and grossed $7.3 million on its first day,[33] including $1 million from its early Thursday night previews.[34] In its opening weekend, it grossed a lower-than-expected $19.4 million, which was about 64% less the original film's opening.[35][36] 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.[37]

Outside North America

Internationally, The Huntsman: Winter's War will be released in a total of 65 countries.[38] 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.[39] 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.[40] 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.[39] It was still No. 2 in its third weekend.[41] 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).[39][40][41] In China, it was in third place, behind local pic Yesterday Once More and the continued run of The Jungle Book.[41] 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.[42][43]

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).[42] There are two more territories to open: Panama on May 5 and Japan on May 27.[41]

Critical response

The Huntsman: Winter's War has received generally negative reviews from critics.[44] On Rotten Tomatoes the film has a rating of 16%, based on 176 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."[45] On Metacritic, the film has a score of 35 out of 100, based on 41 critics, indicating "generally unfavorable reviews".[46] Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "B+" on an A+ to F scale.[34]

Accolades

Award Category Recipient Result Ref.
Teen Choice Awards Choice Movie – Sci-Fi/Fantasy Pending [47]
Choice Movie Actor: Sci-Fi/Fantasy Chris Hemsworth Pending
Choice Movie Actress: Sci-Fi/Fantasy Charlize Theron Pending

References

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  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  3. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  5. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  6. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  7. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  9. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  10. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  11. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  12. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  13. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  16. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  17. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
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  19. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  20. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  21. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  23. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
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  26. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  27. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  28. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  29. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  30. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
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  33. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  35. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  36. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  37. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  38. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  39. ↑ 39.0 39.1 39.2 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  40. ↑ 40.0 40.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  41. ↑ 41.0 41.1 41.2 41.3 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  42. ↑ 42.0 42.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  43. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  44. ↑ http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/22/movies/review-the-huntsman-a-study-in-hollywoods-overstuffed-playbook.html
  45. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  46. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  47. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.

External links

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