Cedric Nicolas-Troyan Will Chart "The Huntsman"

We recently found out that Frank Darabont ("The Shawshank Redemption") has vacated the job of calling action on The Huntsman--the prequel to Snow White and the Huntsman.

Variety reports that Visual effects specialist Cedric Nicolas-Troyan is in talks to take over the big chair on the film. He served as second unit director on the original movie and has been a visual effects guru on movies like the Pirates of the Caribbean film series. The 'Huntsman' would mark his his directorial debut, although he has been linked to other fantasy films including Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters 2 and the "Highlander" remake.

Back in August 2012--it was revealed that Universal Pictures originally planned to continue the franchise by featuring two more films with Kristen Stewart as Snow White, then a spin-off with Chris Hemsworth alone. Due to Stewart's troubles for cheating on Robert Pattinson with original  Huntsman director, Rupert Sanders, the studio was scrapping the first draft for the sequel, and “exploring options to continue the franchise”–with or without Stewart, And at that time said that"no decision has been made."

Darabont was set to helm the project last June beating out Andy Muschietti ("Mama") and  Gavin O'Connor ("Warrior"). Darabont and the studio have reportedly separated on amicable terms, citing "creative differences" as the reason for the split.

 Darabont, Craig Mazin and Evan Spiliotopoulos penned the most recent draft of the screenplay.

 Charlize Theron is expected to return as the evil Ravenna. Emily Blunt has been in talks for several weeks to join the project as another villain, though her deal isn't closed as yet.

 Universal suits say that they plan to stay on track with the film and are keeping their April 22nd 2016 release date.