Sam Claflin, who played Snow White’s love interest William in “Snow White and the Huntsman,” will return for Universal’s sequel “The Huntsman,” which focuses on Chris Hemsworth’s titular character, TheWrap has learned.
Claflin will reprise his role as William, Snow White’s childhood best friend whose tender kiss broke the spell in the first film. He’ll appear in a small supporting role, and despite his casting, Kristen Stewart is not expected to appear in “The Huntsman.”
Charlize Theron is returning as Queen Ravenna, and she’ll be joined by new additions Jessica Chastain and Emily Blunt as the film’s villain. Nick Frost also returns as one of the dwarves alongside British actors Rob Brydon, Alexandra Roach and Sheridan Smith.
The sequel expands the universe established in the first film to reveal how the fates of Eric the Huntsman (Hemsworth) and Ravenna (Theron) intersected before they met Snow White (Stewart).
Cedric Nicolas-Troyan will direct from a script by Frank Darabont, who strengthened earlier drafts by Craig Mazin and Evan Spiliotopoulos. Joe Roth returns to produce, while Palak Patel will executive produce.
Studio executives Maradith Frenkel and Chloe Yellin will oversee the project for Universal, which will release the film on April 22, 2016.
Claflin is also known for playing Finnick Odair in “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay” and Philip in “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.” He recently auditioned for “Star Wars: Rogue One” and signed on to star in a biopic of soccer legend Robin Friday. He’s represented by CAA and Independent Talent Group.