'The Huntsman: Winter's War' builds on expanded 'Snow White' story

'Winter's War' is the follow-up to the 2012 hit movie 'Snow White and the Huntsman.' New cast members include Jessica Chastain and Emily Blunt.

The new movie "The Huntsman: Winter’s War" continues to explore the story of Snow White beyond its traditional narrative following the release of the 2012 movie "Snow White and the Huntsman."

"The Huntsman: Winter's War," which is now in theaters, tells the story of Freya (Emily Blunt), a new villainess and the younger sister of the movie's original queen, Ravenna (Charlize Theron). The Huntsman (Chris Hemsworth) and his love interest, Sara (Jessica Chastain), were instructed by Freya in how to fight and defend Freya from her enemies. 

The original 2012 movie "Snow White and the Huntsman," which starred Kristen Stewart, did very well at the box office. A new director, Cedric Nicolas-Troyan, takes over for the new movie. Mr. Nicolas-Troyan was the visual effects supervisor on the first film.

Mr. Hemsworth recently spoke in an interview about how pleased he is that this film features so many actresses in lead roles. 

"The balance has been tipped for a long time in the men's direction – there are often seven or eight male superheroes compared to just one woman in a film and this is the opposite," he said of the movie in an interview with Glamour. "It's exciting to be part of something like that. I don't think we've seen it to this level before. It's such a funny conversation to even be having because of course it should be that way. Women should be equal and we have the same opportunities."

Ms. Chastain agreed. 

"This is a equal opportunities film, finally," she said in an interview with Radio Times. "I’ve been lucky, but I know for a long time when reading a script, I would think, 'This part is great but I’d love to actually share a scene with another woman. Why am I always working with men?' "