Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters

Lore & Background

The film follows Hansel and Gretel, who as children were abandoned in a forest and captured by a cannibalistic witch. They outsmarted her and incinerated her in an oven. Years later, they have become famed witch hunters, with Hansel suffering from a magic-induced diabetes requiring insulin injections. They arrive in Augsburg to rescue missing children abducted by witches preparing for the Blood Moon, a ritual to gain immunity to fire. The grand dark witch Muriel abducts the twelfth child, and the siblings learn that their mother was a great white witch named Adrianna, burned alive by a mob. Muriel had planned to use Gretel's heart for a potion. The siblings ultimately defeat Muriel, decapitating her with a shovel, and continue their witch-hunting career accompanied by new allies.

Reader's Guide

Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters is significant as a dark fantasy reimagining of a classic fairy tale, blending horror, action, and humor. It was the first English-language film for Norwegian director Tommy Wirkola, known for Dead Snow. The film received generally negative reviews for its weak script and gratuitous violence but was a box-office success, grossing $226 million against a $50 million budget. Its production sparked several other Hansel and Gretel–based films from different studios. The film's steampunk-inspired weapons and modern action style within a classical setting contributed to its cult appeal. It remains an example of a commercially successful genre film that polarized critics and audiences.

Did You Know?

• The film was originally scheduled for release in March 2012 but was delayed to allow additional time to shoot a post-credits scene with Jeremy Renner.
• Principal photography began in March 2011 at Babelsberg Studio in Germany and concluded in June 2011.
• The role of Gretel was initially planned for Noomi Rapace before Gemma Arterton was cast in January 2011.
• The film's budget was $50 million, co-financed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM).