Hansel and Gretel:
Witch Hunters now has a villain. Actress Famke Janssen has been cast as “the
leader of the witches” according to The Playlist. Given that little detail, she’s
probably the main antagonist.
The Playlist revealed Janssen’s casting, though her role was
unknown in this dark take on the classic fairy tale until Deadline later
discovered the identity of her role. She will play opposite Gemma
Arterton and Jeremy Renner, who have been cast as the titular siblings. The film hopes to capitalize on the recent trend of taking classic properties such as the fairytale Hansel and Gretel and turning them into zombie/monster/vampire flicks. The film will be directed by Tommy Wirkola, who helmed the zombie/Nazi film Dead Snow.
Janssen’s most famous role to date is as Jean Grey in the X-Men films, but she also filled the role
of Bond girl Xenia Onatopp in GoldenEye.
Aside from a brief turn in the unintended Liam Neeson action vehicle Taken, we haven’t seen much of her
lately. However, this film should return the actress to the limelight.
How do you feel about Famke Janssen in Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters?