What Exactly Is "Hansel & Gretel Witch Hunters"

It is not a secret that Hollywood loves reboots. After "Batman Begins" set the world afire in 2005, Hollywood set forth to "reboot" the mega franchises. Bond, The Karate Kid, Star Trek, and the Hulk all have been re-launched. And now Hollywood has sight their sights on another legendary group of heroes - "Hansel & Gretel."

You read that right, those siblings that love candy architecture and baking witches are being rebooted. But this is not some PIXAR film, this is an ultra-violent hardcore action frenzy where Hansel & Gretel are grown up badasses who travel the land slaying witches while cussing up a storm. Directed by "Dead Snow" creator Tommy Wirkola, the script finds Hansel & Gretel taking care of business against a supremely evil witch and her minions. They use shotguns, crossbows, fists, and giant steam powered motorcycles with grappling hooks to do the deed. Yeah it's pretty crazy.

Today two interesting pieces of casting news broke regarding the titular characters. The first is that Hansel would be played by Jeremy Renner. Man, does Renner love action or does he love ACTION. Ever since he re-invented the American action star in "The Hurt Locker" the guy is only starring as a tough guy badass in his films. The line up includes the upcoming "The Town," "The Avengers," and "Mission Impossible 4." And with Hansel & Gretel his action streak continues, and I couldn't be more jazzed.

The other interesting casting nugget here is that Gretel would be played by Noomi Rapace. Now you might now her by her other name - Lisbeth Salander, aka "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo." I have seen "Dragon Tattoo" and Noomi really can bring it with the intensity, so I like the idea of her as a witch slayer. Still this would be an interesting first role to introduce her to a huge mainstream audience. Perhaps we are witnessing the birth of a brand new female action star?

Either way the project is shaping up to be a pretty damn wild. Oh, did I mention that Will Ferrell's company is producing?