Universal Pictures has announced an upcoming film entitled 'The Huntsman', a prequel to the movie 'Snow White And The Huntsman', that hits theaters on April 22, 2016.

The new film primarily focuses on the character of the Huntsman, played by Chris Hemsworth, and Snow White, played by Kristen Stewart, who has a small to non-existing role in the prequel.

The 39-year-old actress Charlize Theron returns to her role as well. Unfortunately, the director of the original film, Rupert Sanders, isn't coming back. Writer and director Frank Darabont, who wrote the screenplay of the movie, will be directing the title.

The prequel will reveal how the Hunstman, Eric, and Raveena cross paths before Snow White comes into the picture.

In the first film, the Huntsman had a tortured backstory, in which his wife was murdered. Many fans speculate that 'The Huntsman' will follow-up on more of that story.

The release date of 'The Huntsman' was originally reserved by Universal for 'The Mummy', which will now be released on Jun. 24, 2016.

However, rumors sprouted that Universal Pictures dropped Stewart out of the 'Snow White and the Huntsman' sequel.

"We are extremely proud of 'Snow White and the Huntsman' and we're currently exploring all options to continue the franchise. Any reports that Kristen Stewart has been dropped are false," said Donna Langley, Universal's co-chairman, in a statement.

Universal hasn't burned bridges with former director Rupert Sanders despite the bad publication that his affair to Stewart has brought. The studio is actually considering Sanders for their 'Van Helsing' reboot.

The reason why Sanders is out of the project is because he is allegedly still trying to save his marriage.

Darabont, an executive producer of 'The Walking Dead', took the franchise baton from Sanders. He also directed 'The Green Mile' and 'The Majestic'.