Is The Huntsman: Winter’s War a Sequel?
The Huntsman: Winter’s War, released in 2016, has raised many questions about its narrative and position within the prequel and original fairy tale of Snow White and the Huntsman. This article delves into the story’s connection to the previous movie and the novel’s concept to provide a clearer answer to the question: is The Huntsman: Winter’s War a sequel?
A Brief Summary
Before exploring the film’s status as a sequel, let’s provide a quick recap of the plot: The Huntsman: Winter’s War follows Chris Hemsworth‘s Huntsman and Jessica Chastain‘s Ice Queen Ravenna, both characters from Snow White and the Huntsman (2012). Emily Blunt also stars as Freya, Ravenna’s sister. The story unfolds through intertwining flashbacks, covering events leading up to and during the first movie, while introducing new elements, including the Queen’s history and motivations.
Arguments for The Huntsman: Winter’s War as a Sequel
While not an exact sequel to the original, the new movie builds upon the preexisting story, expanding its mythology and introducing fresh conflicts and characters. Here are reasons why it can be regarded as a sequel:
Continuation of characters
- The Huntsman returns, and Snow White (Kristen Stewart) appears briefly as well, further solidifying connections to the first movie.
- The storyline directly responds to events in Snow White and the Huntsman, particularly the fate of key characters.
- Ravenna’s motivations and actions serve as a driving force in The Huntsman: Winter’s War, justifying its place within the story.
Additional events leading up to Snow White and the Huntsman
The film delves deeper into the prehistory of Snow White, depicting key moments in the events that shaped the character, such as the transformation of Snow White into the Fair One and the battle that left the Huntsman traumatized. These episodes tie the narrative closer to Snow White and the Huntsman, justifying the story’s connection.
Parallel plot
Side quests and plotlines are shared between the original Snow White and the Huntsman and The Huntsman: Winter’s War, often intersecting with each other and further enriching the overarching narrative.
Character Interactions and Allusions
The movie’s casting calls back to Snow White and the Huntsman in:
- Ravenna’s connection to Mirren**, an established character in Snow White and the Huntsman
- Huntsman and Snow White’s meeting rekindles memories of the past
- The nods to Snow White and the Huntsman as seen in flashbacks serve as reminders of their previous encounters.
Arguments Against The Huntsman: Winter’s War as a Sequel
- Independent storytelling:
- Storyline focuses on introducing the characters of Freya and her history.
- Self-contained story with minimal dependence on Snow White and the Huntsman’s events.
Comparison between The Huntsman: Winter’s War and Snow White and the Huntsman (Movie)
| Moments | Snow White and the Huntsman | The Huntsman: Winter’s War |
|---|---|---|
| Snow White Transformation | Key part of the backstory | |
| Huntsman’s Backstory | Fragments and flashbacks | More in-depth exposition |
| Ravenna’s Power | Key motivation |
Conclusion: A Complex Case
Considering the narrative, connections between characters, and self-contained story, The Huntsman: Winter’s War occupies an interesting space within the larger Snow White universe. It’s neither a straightforward prequel nor a sequel in the classical sense, as events don’t take place after Snow White and the Huntsman, yet the story isn’t independent of the previous tale either. By understanding the connections between The Huntsman: Winter’s War and Snow White and the Huntsman, one can conclude that this is an alternate or auxiliary entry within the series, weaving together disparate elements and presenting a richer understanding of the characters and their fates.
Biblio/References:
- [Original Article on the Game] – Article URL/Reference
