Watch: Chris Hemsworth Flirts Poorly With Jessica Chastain In The First Clip For 'The Huntsman: Winter's War'

In 2012, Universal’s “Snow White and the Huntsman” was met with mixed reviews, but the movie went on to make nearly $400 million worldwide. The downside was that it cost $170 million, not including marketing, and after theater splits, the studio didn’t make that much money on it. Worse, Kristen Stewart decided to not come back for any sequels, so the franchise seemed to be in the lurch. Still, Universal decided to soldier on and pivoted the tentpole towards Chris Hemsworth’s Huntsman character. Maybe those ancillaries eked out a profit and suggested there was more in the tank in terms of international growth.

READ MORE: Review: 'Snow White & the Huntsman' Is A Beautiful Slog

Whatever the rationale is, “The Huntsman: Winter's War” is nearly here, though I’m not sure what audience its intended for. Introducing two new female characters played by Emily Blunt and Jessica Chastain, ‘Winter's War’ also includes Charlize Theron, who reprises her role as the evil Queen. So...