Back in March, Viggo Mortensen ended negotiations for the role of the huntsman in the forthcoming Universal Pictures film, directed by Rupert Sanders (The Low Dweller), entitled Snow White and the Huntsman. Last month, Universal was seeking to replace Mortensen with actor Hugh Jackman (Real Steel), whose schedule had presumably opened up, after the departure of director Darren Aronofsky (Black Swan) from The Wolverine. Just days later, Jackman has declined the offer to take the lead role in Snow White and the Huntsman, hoping that The Wolverine would still shoot this summer, as scheduled.

Now, Variety reports that Universal Pictures is now after The God of Thunder himself, Chris Hemsworth (Thor, Star Trek) to play the Huntsman. Joel Edgerton (Animal Kingdom) is reportedly in talks with the studio for the role as well.

The film is said to offer a different take on the classic fairy tale, having Snow White (Kristen Stewart) banished by the evil queen (Charlize Theron), and forming a bond with the man who was sent to kill her, The Huntsman. The Huntsman instead becomes her mentor, teaching her how to fight and defend herself.

Snow White and the Huntsman is slated to hit theaters on December 21st, 2012.