March 19, 2013 10:53

'Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters' gets a sequel

The original starring Jeremy Renner and Gemma Arterton has now grossed over $200 million worldwide

A sequel to Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters is officially in the works.

The action fantasy flick starring Jeremy Renner and Gemma Arterton opened in cinemas on January 17. Directed and co-written by Norwegian filmmaker Tommy Wirkola, it's conceived as a "continuation" of the classic Brothers Grimm fairytale: Hansel and Gretel are now grown-ups and working as professional witch hunters.

Hansel & Gretel was widely panned by critics and under-performed in the US, but has proven more popular overseas, particularly in Russia. The film has now taken over $205 million (£135 million) at the box office worldwide from an estimated $50 million (£33 million) budget.

According to Deadline, that total was "key" in Paramount Pictures' decision to give the sequel a green light. The producers of the original film - Will Ferrell, Adam McKay and Kevin Messick - are all expected to return. However, there is no word yet on whether Renner and Arterton are likely to sign on for a second adventure or whether Wirkola will direct again.

The original Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters also stars Famke Janssen (X-Men) and Derek Mears (Friday The 13th). Scroll down and click 'play' to watch the trailer.