In a move that might leave some scratching their heads, Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters is heading to Paramount+ this September. The 2013 film, starring original Avengers cast member Jeremy Renner and Bond girl Gemma Arterton, has carved out an infamous reputation with its abysmal 16% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. While Renner and Arterton might be better known for their roles in Marvel’s cinematic universe, or as a sidekick of 007, this dark twist on the classic fairy tale didn’t quite hit the mark with critics or audiences.
Directed by Tommy Wirkola, Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters attempts to reimagine the famous sibling duo as badass witch-hunters, complete with anachronistic weaponry and over-the-top action sequences. The premise is undeniably intriguing: Hansel and Gretel, after surviving their childhood encounter with a witch, grow up to become professional witch hunters. However, the film’s blend of horror, comedy, and action didn’t quite land, resulting in a film that was as confusing in tone as it was in execution.
The film sees Renner and Arterton step into the medieval boots of Hansel and Gretel as they take on a new mission: to investigate the mysterious disappearance of children in a remote village. Their journey uncovers a dark conspiracy involving a powerful coven of witches led by Muriel, played by Famke Janssen. As they battle their way through hordes of supernatural foes, Hansel and Gretel must confront their own dark past and the true nature of their powers.
Is ‘Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters’ Worth Watching?
Despite its star-studded cast and promising premise, the film was widely panned for its uneven storytelling, lackluster special effects, and a script that failed to deliver on the potential of its concept. Critics were particularly harsh on the film’s attempt to blend modern sensibilities with a medieval setting, resulting in a jarring and often unintentionally humorous experience.
However, Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters did manage to gain a cult following, particularly among those who appreciate its campy, B-movie charm. For fans of Renner and Arterton, or those who enjoy so-bad-it’s-good cinema, the film’s arrival on Paramount+ offers a chance to revisit—or discover for the first time—this peculiar entry in the fantasy genre.
So, if you’re in the mood for some mindless action and dark fantasy with a side of unintentional comedy, mark your calendars for September. Whether you love it or hate it, Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters is sure to be an experience you won’t forget anytime soon.
