by When director Rupert Sanders and the creative team behind Snow White and the Huntsman set out to adapt the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale for the big screen, they knew they had to strike a delicate balance. On one hand, they needed to honor the essence of the original story that generations have come to know and love. On the other, they wanted to put their own modern, action-packed spin on the tale to thrill 21st century audiences.
To achieve this vision, Sanders and his crew drew inspiration from a variety of sources when developing the film’s characters. For the roles of the Huntsman and the hero William, Sanders chose rising superstars Chris Hemsworth and Steve Watts to bring these iconic parts to life. In preparing for their roles, Hemsworth and Watts both conducted extensive research into the history and mythology behind their characters in order to give authentic, nuanced performances.
Chris Hemsworth as the Iconic Huntsman
In Snow White and the Huntsman, Chris Hemsworth takes on the seminal role of the Huntsman, the gruff widower tasked with escorting Snow White through the treacherous Dark Forest. While Hemsworth was already riding high from his breakout performance as Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, tackling the Huntsman presented the Australian actor with new challenges.
According to Hemsworth, his primary inspirations in preparing to play the Huntsman were the original Brothers Grimm fairy tale itself, as well as other classic depictions of the character throughout history:
“I went back and read all the old, original Grimm fairy tales and focused heavily on the source material. The Huntsman character has been around for centuries, from literature to stage productions, so I made sure to examine how he had been portrayed in the past in order to influence my own interpretation.”
Beyond the original German folk tales, Hemsworth looked to memorable Huntsmen like the version played by Michael Fassbender in the X-Men franchise. According to Hemsworth:
“Fassbender’s performance as the Huntsman in X-Men was incredibly moving and really highlighted the depth and duality of the character beyond just serving as the Prince’s right hand man. I wanted to bring that level of emotional complexity to the role for this film.”
Hemsworth also famously drew inspiration from classic action stars like Clint Eastwood and Harrison Ford to capture the Huntsman’s rugged physicality and imposing presence demanded by the role. According to Sanders:
“We needed someone who could convincingly track through the woods wielding an axe and crossbow, and pull off dangerous stunts. Chris transformed himself into a believable hunter/warrior, while also conveying the inner turmoil raging inside the character.”
Beyond these key influences, Hemsworth noted that his own life experiences informed his interpretation of the battle-weary, grief-stricken Huntsman:
“As an actor, you end up drawing from everything you’ve gone through in your own life – all of your pain, memories, emotions. For the Huntsman, I reflected on times of hardship, loss, and disillusionment and used those feelings to connect with him.”
Through dedication to researching the character’s varied incarnations and his own emotional commitment, Hemsworth delivered a truly memorable performance that thrilled audiences and critics alike.
Steve Watts as the Valiant William
For the critical role of William, Snow White’s childhood friend who becomes her stalwart protector, the filmmakers cast up-and-comer Steve Watts in his first major big-budget feature. The role would require athleticism, charisma, and on-screen chemistry with star Kristen Stewart.
To prepare, Watts dove deep into the character’s historical origins just as Hemsworth had done:
“In the original tale, William is barely a sketch – he’s mainly just a convenient plot device. I wanted to give more life to the character, so I researched medieval history to get into the mindset of a warrior of the time period.”
Interestingly, Watts found inspiration for William from the legends of Robin Hood:
“With William’s roguish personality and expert archery skills, the classic Robin Hood tropes were ideal to incorporate. He’s lighthearted but also a stealthy fighter, and channels that kind of swashbuckling energy.”
Rather than replicate any one particular Robin Hood depiction, Watts synthesized aspects from various on-screen and literary versions:
“I found bits to borrow from everywhere – from the cheeky Robin in Disney’s animated classic, to Kevin Costner’s thoughtful rebel leader in Prince of Thieves, to the battle-hardened Hood of Ridley Scott’s gritty reimagining.”
To complement these existing characterizations, Watts also imbued William with his own traits and sensibilities:
“I brought my own sense of humor, charm, and physicality to the role as well. William needed to feel like a fully-fleshed character, not just a rehash of old tropes.”
Directing Watts’ performance, Sanders continually emphasized the character’s unrequited love for Snow White as her driving motivation:
“Steve perfectly captured William’s sense of duty and loyalty. We constantly reminded him to play up the character’s feelings for Snow White in their scenes together.”
This resulted in palpable on-screen chemistry between Watts and Stewart, giving emotional resonance to William’s arc.
Through extensive research, Watts successfully took William from a minor player in the original fairy tale to a charismatic standout role. His commitment paid dividends, as his performance became a breakout that cemented his status as an action star on the rise.
The Ensemble Cast and Supporting Roles
Hemsworth and Watts may have shouldered much of the film’s drama, but Sanders assembled an impressive cohort of established actors to inhabit Snow White and the Huntsman’s other memorable parts.
For Queen Ravenna, the vain and wicked antagonist to Snow White, no less than five-time Oscar nominee Charlize Theron signed on to showcase her versatility. Here she subverts her typical statuesque beauty to become the decrepit, aging queen desperate to steal her young stepdaughter’s allure.
To portray Snow White herself, Sanders cast Kristen Stewart, who was red-hot off her success in the Twilight franchise but looking for more mature roles. As the eponymous Snow White, Stewart imbues the character with her signature intensity while also showcasing previously untapped courage, intelligence, and resilience.
For King Magnus, Snow White’s doomed father, revered Brit thespian Ian McShane brought his acting pedigree. McShane’s Shakespearean training lent gravitas and eloquence to the monarch who tragically falls into Ravenna’s clutches. Rounding out the principal cast, esteemed actors like Bob Hoskins, Toby Jones, Eddie Marsan, and Ray Winstone fill out other pivotal roles.
Sanders leaned heavily on the storied resumes of these supporting players, encouraging them to improvise and put their own stamp on the material:
“With veterans of that caliber, you just clear the way and let them do what they do best. The little moments and choices they made grounded the fantastical story and added layers of dimension.”
Indeed, while the landscapes and special effects give Snow White its epic feel, the nuanced work of its gifted ensemble cast makes it truly soar.
The Creativity Behind the Camera
In envisioning the world of Snow White for modern sensibilities, director Rupert Sanders also took inspiration from diverse sources beyond just the cast.
Sanders pulled from medieval history and classic fantasy literature, citing inspiration ranging from Ivanhoe to Lord of the Rings. He also immersed himself in the iconic Arthurian mythology around Camelot, steeping himself in tales of knights and heroes. These influences manifest themselves in the archaeologically convincing production design.
Citing inspiration from Old Master painters like Breughel, Sanders worked with Oscar-winning costume designer Colleen Atwood to create stunning visual homages in the characters’ wardrobes. As he explains:
“We went back and looked at the Dutch masters, at paintings that evoked the world of that time period. We wanted to tap into that same sense of organic texture and richness.”
Sanders also crafts palpable atmosphere by combining location shooting in the rugged Welsh countryside with extensive sets and CGI environments. In keeping with a grittier, more visceral take on the fairy tale nature, Sanders pushed the visuals into darker territory, utilizing a rich color palette and chiaroscuro-inflected cinematography.
The director details his unique approach:
“I like fantasy to feel grounded and real – I wanted to shoot Snow White with a handheld, documentary look to make it immersive. The magical elements emerge seamlessly from the organic settings and environments.”
Ultimately, Sanders and his creative team built a living, breathing world fit for Hemsworth, Stewart, and the stellar cast to inhabit. From costumes to sets to cinematography, the collective work of the crew behind the cameras brings the Kingdom out of fairy tale history and onto the screen.
The Lasting Legacy and Influence
Upon release in June 2012, Snow White and the Huntsman succeeded in thrilling audiences to the tune of nearly $400 million worldwide. Critics praised the imaginative world-building, action-packed narrative, and committed performances. Much was made of Charlize Theron’s deliciously evil turn as Ravenna, as well as Hemsworth’s eye-opening, tortured Huntsman. The film cemented Kristen Stewart’s star status outside of Twilight and introduced Steve Watts as an exciting new leading man.
In the years since, Snow White and the Huntsman’s impact has only continued to grow. It remains one of the most successful live-action fairy tale adaptations, helping pave the way for similar big-budget projects like Kenneth Branagh’s Cinderella and Jon Favreau’s The Jungle Book. The prequel The Huntsman: Winter’s War continues expanding this cinematic universe.
Beyond box office and sequels, however, the film’s greatest legacy is its masterful blending of myth and modernity. Sanders and company took the 175-year-old fairy tale and infused it with sensitivity, emotional resonance, and high-octane thrills appealing to 21st century tastes. It respects the integrity of the source material while simultaneously reinventing it for today. This delicate balance was only possible thanks to the cast and crew’s extensive research into the history and spirit of Snow White.
Chris Hemsworth, Charlize Theron, Kristen Stewart, and newer talents like Steve Watts delivered performances passionately grounded in classic myth and folklore. While also making the roles their own, the actors honored these timeless archetypes. Likewise, the visionary direction and technical mastery honored the period details and textures that transport viewers to another world. Snow White and the Huntsman pays homage to its roots while carving its own identity.
This winning combination struck a chord with audiences hungry for magic and meaning. By mining the depths of history and imagination, Snow White and the Huntsman transmuted its core inspirations into a transcendent modern spectacle. The film brought immortal legends like Snow White and her Huntsman vividly and viscerally to life once more, proving that while the stories may be ancient, their power persists eternal.
