Kristen Stewart will not be asked to return for any further "Snow White and the Huntsman" films, reports THR. But a conflicting report on Gossip Cop claims no such decision has been made, and that it's unlikely Stewart has been "dropped" because a script has yet to be written.
UPDATE: Universal has released the following statement: "We are extremely proud of 'Snow White and the Huntsman' and we’re currently exploring all options to continue the franchise. Any reports that Kristen Stewart has been dropped are false."
The original story continues below.
The Los Angeles Times also threw cold water on the THR shocker: "Universal insists that plans for a second movie centering on the Huntsman character played by Chris Hemsworth are proceeding and that Stewart’s Snow White could still be a character in that film, despite reports that suggested otherwise."
Kim Masters' report on THR explicitly states that writer David Koepp had been brought on to write a previously planned sequel and is now "is being settled out of his rich contract."
In lieu of a traditional sequel, however, Universal may have opted to focus on Chris Hemsworth/Huntsman part. Amy Kaufman, who wrote the Times' rebuttal of the THR report, suggested that the Hemsworth project, which would be more akin to a spinoff, was set from the start:
Kaufman's account of the situation falls more into line with THR's own, earlier reporting. Consider the following, from an April story: "[Universal President Ron] Meyer said that while the upcoming 'Snow White and the Huntsman' doesn’t appear to lend itself to a sequel, Universal thinks it can do more movies based on the character of the Huntsman (Chris Hemsworth) if it is successful."
It's still unclear if director Rupert Sanders would return.
The franchise was derailed when photos of Stewart -- who played the titular role -- and Sanders -- who is married -- kissing were published in a magazine. Stewart swiftly and publicly apologized to her boyfriend Robert Pattinson. "I'm deeply sorry for the hurt and embarrassment I've caused to those close to me and everyone this has affected," her statement read. "This momentary indiscretion has jeopardized the most important thing in my life, the person I love and respect the most, Rob. I love him, I love him, I'm so sorry."
