Universal’s Snow White and the Huntsman has been on the hunt for a gripping leading man since October. First Tom Hardy, everyone’s favorite Inception scene-stealer, was offered the role, but sadly this revisionist fairy tale couldn’t fit into his busy 2011 production schedule. Then everyone’s favorite madcap pirate, Johnny Depp, was in talks to take on the Huntsman, despite the long list of rumored projects on his docket. Now, /Film reports Viggo Mortensen is eyeing the role, and with The Dark Tower going to Javier Bardem, he may be available.
To refresh your memory, there are three different Snow White projects currently in development. Though Disney’s Snow White and the Seven hasn’t had an update in ages, Relativity and Universal are currently racing to get their versions into production. Relativity is working on The Brothers Grimm: Snow White, which promises an “edgy” take on the classic tale, and will be helmed by Tarsem, the mind behind the visual stunner that was The Fall. Universal on the other hand is putting together more of a thriller where the huntsman is more than just the kindhearted (though shortsighted) lug who sends a pale-skinned princess off into the dark woods on her own. Here, he not only decides not to cut out her heart, but also to help her escape the murderous rage of her evil stepmother, who will be played by Charlize Theron. Now who will be the fairest one of all?
Well, while early reports claimed that open casting calls were being held in the U.K. in hopes of bringing a fresh face to the project, Cinema Blend now reports that Twilight’s Kristen Stewart may play Snow White. While they lament the age difference between the proposed stars, explaining a romance between them would prove cringeworthy, early reports assured the Huntsman would be a mentor and father figure over a romantic interest. But let’s be clear, Stewart’s involvement is a rumor at this point. This would be the biggest non-Twilight project Stewart has done in recent years, and the notoriously fame-shunning startlet may not have an interest in courting more tween adoration. Beyond that other noteworthy ingénues are said to be auditioning, including Sucker Punch’s Emily Browning.
Regardless of the rumors, casting decisions should come down soon as Universal was hoping to be in production by next month.
Snow White and the Huntsman hopes to hit theaters December 21, 2012.
What do you think of these latest casting rumors?