While the Marvel Cinematic Universe gears up for its next epic chapter with Avengers: Doomsday, one of its former stars is enjoying a different kind of resurgence. Jeremy Renner, best known as Hawkeye, may not be suiting up for the upcoming superhero showdown, but his 2013 dark fantasy romp Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters has suddenly become one of the most-watched movies on Paramount+ this October.
The film, directed by Tommy Wirkola, takes the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale and gives it a gleefully violent, R-rated twist. Renner and Gemma Arterton star as the grown-up siblings, now professional witch exterminators in a medieval world brimming with magic and mayhem. It's a premise that could only work with the right tone, and Wirkola leans fully into the absurdity, delivering a spectacle that's equal parts action, horror, and dark comedy.
When it hit theaters in 2013, Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters was a box office surprise, pulling in over $226 million worldwide against a modest $50 million budget. Critics, however, were far less kind—the film currently sits at a 17% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Yet, as streaming has reshaped how audiences discover movies, this cult favorite has found a second life, climbing into the top ten most-watched films on Paramount+ in the U.S. this month.
Renner's absence from Avengers: Doomsday has been a talking point among fans, especially given the film's massive ensemble cast. The actor himself joked during a recent Q&A that the Avengers will likely lose without him, quipping, "They didn't call me, so it's their fault they're going to lose." While his Hawkeye won't be part of the upcoming crossover, his other work is clearly resonating with audiences who are diving into his filmography.
The streaming surge of Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters is a testament to how a movie can outlive its initial critical reception. It's a prime example of a R-rated action flick that knows exactly what it wants to be: unapologetically over-the-top and wildly entertaining. For those who missed it the first time, it's a perfect October watch, fitting right in with the spooky season.
This isn't the first time a forgotten gem has found new life on streaming. Just last month, Brad Pitt's zombie epic surged on Paramount+ as sequel buzz built, proving that audiences are hungry for familiar faces and high-concept thrills. Similarly, Stephen King's Dark Tower western arrives on Paramount+ this October, offering another genre mashup that's drawing curious viewers.
For Renner, the renewed attention on his past projects is a welcome bonus as he continues his recovery from a serious snowplow accident in 2023. His return to the public eye has been gradual, but his fans remain loyal, and this streaming hit is a reminder of his versatility beyond the bow and arrow.
Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer, Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters is a wild ride that's perfect for a cozy October night. It's not high art, but it doesn't need to be—it's a blast of pure, unadulterated fun that proves sometimes the best streaming finds are the ones you least expect.
