According to Universal’s mirror, it looks like the-raven haired Snow is not the fairest of them all as she’s been dethroned by the golden-haired Huntsman. THR is reporting that the studio has scrapped plans for a direct sequel to ‘Snow White and the Huntsman’ and is moving forward with plans to film a spinoff movie featuring Chris Hemsworth’s Huntsman.

The idea of featuring the Huntsman in his own franchise is not new as Universal President and COO Ron Meyer had talked about this back in April. The original plan, however, was to film a direct sequel to ‘Snow White and the Huntsman’ which would then provide a platform for the Huntsman to go on his own adventures in a one off sequel, much like what the ‘X-Men’ movie franchise did for ‘Wolverine’.

Since the Huntsman is now the focal point of the film, that implies Chris Hemsworth will still be involved. Who won’t be involved, however, is Kristen Stewart. According to reports, Stewart will not be asked back to reprise her role if this project moves forward.

It’s highly unusual to drop a leading star in between the first and the second installments of a franchise and whether this is a direct consequence due to the latest publicity nightmare between Stewart and director Rupert Sanders is unknown. Also unknown is whether Sanders will be returning to helm a possible sequel. Previously Sanders’ wife, Liberty Ross (who played Snow White’s mother in the movie) had reportedly not wanted Sanders to be involved with the film, but now that Stewart is no longer attached, that may change. Regardless, the decision not to have Stewart return ultimately saves money for the studio as she is one of the highest paid actresses in the business.

Universal is also cutting their losses with screenwriter David Koepp who was hired last April to scribe the sequel to ‘Snow White and the Huntsman’. Since they are moving in a different direction, the studio is working to settle him out of this contract.

There is still a question as to whether a Huntsman movie project will ultimately get made as its predecessor was considered only moderately successful earning less than $400 million worldwide on a budget of $170 million. Regardless, Universal is moving forward and looking for a new writer with hopes to start filming in July of next year when Hemsworth’s schedule is free.