Square Peg, the Production Company of Ari Aster and Lars Knudsen, Takes on ‘hansel and Gretel’ Stop-motion Project

Ari Aster and Lars Knudsen, through their production company Square Peg, have joined forces with Chilean filmmakers Cristóbal León and Joaquín Cociña as executive producers on their innovative adaptation of “Hansel & Gretel”.

This stop-motion feature promises to revolutionize the classic fairy tale, with a twist: Hansel and Gretel are both male characters at the story’s outset. León hints that the narrative will take unexpected turns, saying “the story itself gets lost”.

Aster, a fan of León and Cociña’s work, collaborated with them on “Beau is Afraid” after discovering their acclaimed feature “The Wolf House”, which won at Annecy. He praises the duo as “true originals” in animation, drawing comparisons to influential artists like Švankmajer and the Quays.

Their experimental approach, blending film, animation, and contemporary art, sets them apart. León emphasizes their commitment to innovation, avoiding conventional approaches.

The project has received pre-production funding in Chile and is now seeking co-production partners. With Aster and Knudsen on board, this “Hansel & Gretel” adaptation promises to be a groundbreaking, genre-defying masterpiece.

The collaboration of these visionary filmmakers will undoubtedly result in a unique and interesting cinematic experience. By pushing the boundaries of animation and storytelling, they will create a fresh and exciting interpretation of a beloved classic.

The combination of Aster’s producing expertise and León and Cociña’s innovative storytelling will surely lead to a remarkable film. Their shared passion for experimental techniques and unconventional narratives ensures that this “Hansel & Gretel” adaptation will be a standout in the world of animation. As the project moves forward, audiences can anticipate a thrilling and unconventional retelling of this timeless fairy tale.