A decade after its release, Snow White and the Huntsman—Kristen Stewart’s blockbuster fantasy film that triggered the infamous Kristen Stewart Snow White cheating scandal and led to her removal from its sequel—has arrived for streaming on Prime Video. The film, which grossed nearly $396.6 million worldwide when it debuted in 2012, became linked to a major Hollywood controversy with wide-ranging consequences for Stewart, her co-stars, and the development of Universal Pictures’ fantasy franchise.
A Blockbuster Marred by Scandal
When Snow White and the Huntsman opened in theaters, Kristen Stewart was one of the most recognized young actors in Hollywood, having just concluded her role as Bella Swan in the Twilight series. With success still fresh, Stewart starred in Universal Pictures’ ambitious take on the classic fairy tale alongside Chris Hemsworth and Charlize Theron. The film delivered impressive visuals, action sequences, and a standout performance by Theron as the evil queen, swiftly earning $396.6 million at the global box office against its $170 million budget.
However, Stewart’s rising career trajectory shifted dramatically when paparazzi photos surfaced in July 2012 showing her in a romantic moment with Rupert Sanders, the married director of Snow White and the Huntsman. At the time, Stewart was publicly dating fellow Twilight star Robert Pattinson, while Sanders was married to Liberty Ross. The release of these images by Us Weekly inflamed the media landscape, causing a renewed firestorm both within Hollywood and among millions of fans invested in Stewart and Pattinson’s relationship.
Public Apologies and Fallout
The response to the cheating scandal was swift and highly publicized. Kristen Stewart, then only 22, made a rare personal statement through People magazine.
“I’m deeply sorry for the hurt and embarrassment I’ve caused to those close to me and everyone this has affected. The momentary indiscretion has jeopardized the most important thing in my life, the person I love and respect the most Rob. I love him, I love him, I’m sorry.” —Kristen Stewart, Actress
Rupert Sanders also issued a statement, directed at his family and highlighting the pain he had caused.
“I’m utterly distraught about the pain I have caused my family. My beautiful wife and heavenly children are all I have in this world. I love them with all my heart. I am praying that we can get through this together.” —Rupert Sanders, Director
The repercussions were felt rapidly: the Stewart-Pattinson couple, whose relationship had captivated a massive fan following, faced turmoil, and their ultimate breakup in 2013 was widely reported. Sanders’ marriage to Liberty Ross did not survive the scandal either, and by the next year, they had divorced. The incident became a defining pop culture event, dominating coverage across publications such as The Hollywood Reporter and Daily Mail, and altering the careers of both central figures involved.
Universal Pictures Reshapes Its Franchise Plans
The controversy significantly disrupted Universal Pictures’ aims for the Snow White franchise. According to sources familiar with the studio’s plans, Universal originally intended a sequel built around Stewart’s title character. However, in the wake of the scandal, studio executives re-evaluated their approach. Reports emerged within weeks that Stewart would no longer headline the next installment, and attention shifted to a spinoff centered on Chris Hemsworth’s Huntsman character instead.
This move was highly unusual, especially given the film’s commercial success. The studio ultimately released The Huntsman: Winter’s War in 2016, a film that functioned both as a prequel and sequel to the original. Kristen Stewart’s character did not appear in the cast, with the focus expanding to include Emily Blunt, Jessica Chastain, and a returning Charlize Theron.
Years later, Stewart discussed the impact of the scandal and her removal from the follow-up project. During a conversation on The Howard Stern Show, she revealed how the situation unfolded behind the scenes, indicating the industry’s hesitancy to include her due to the negative publicity surrounding the original film and her personal life.
“They didn’t put me in that movie because I went through such a highly publicized scandal, and so they were like scared of touching that.” —Kristen Stewart, Actress
Stewart further clarified the nature of the scandal in her discussion with Stern, emphasizing the scrutiny she endured both publicly and privately.
Lasting Impact and a Rediscovery on Prime Video
Although both Stewart and Sanders publicly apologized and addressed the fallout, the ripple effect changed the path of those involved and redirected a major studio’s franchise ambitions. The original film, marked by strong performances from Chris Hemsworth, Charlize Theron, and a notable supporting cast that eventually included Emily Blunt and Jessica Chastain, remains recognized for its production design and reimagined fairy tale storytelling.
Today, with Snow White and the Huntsman now available on Prime Video, a new audience can experience the fantasy epic and reflect on the controversy that reshaped the careers of Kristen Stewart and Rupert Sanders. For many, the movie stands as a testament to how rapidly Hollywood and public perception can shift, linking a successful box office hit to one of the most talked-about scandals of its decade. With major phases of a franchise reworked, Hollywood’s willingness to move forward without its original lead became a cautionary tale, and the Kristen Stewart Snow White cheating scandal endures as a touchstone in celebrity and industry history.
Snow White and the Huntsman can now be streamed on Prime Video, giving old and new viewers alike a chance to revisit or discover the film at the center of a transformative Hollywood moment.
