Witchslayer Gretl

Lore & Background

The film follows Hansel, a witch hunter, who discovers that his sister Gretl is possessed by the witch Zhore. Zhore had switched bodies with Gretl after a failed attack in the Black Forest, and now seeks to become the Witch Queen by binding young witches to herself. Hansel teams up with a willful escaped witch named Lara, who uses her occult knowledge to craft anti-witch weapons. Together they rescue a powerful girl named Ehren, whom Zhore wants as a replacement vessel for Gretl's failing body.

Reader's Guide

Witchslayer Gretl is notable as a Syfy original film that attempted to ride the wave of interest in dark fairy-tale adaptations following the 2013 theatrical film Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters. Reception was largely negative, with critics citing wooden dialogue, weak special effects, and underutilization of star Shannen Doherty. Dread Central's Scott Foy gave it 1/5, calling it 'the equivalent of cinematic Ambien,' while Horror News derided its plot holes and acting. The Movie Scene's Andy Webb awarded 2/5, praising the plot but criticizing casting and action. A more middling review from the New York Daily News noted the film's 'wooden feel' but suggested the story might intrigue fans. The film aired as part of a double feature with another Syfy film, Black Forest.

Did You Know?

• The film was originally set to premiere in November 2011 under the name Gretl, but was pushed back to February 25, 2012 after being retitled Witchslayer Gretl.
• It was one of several Hansel and Gretel films made to cash in on the 2013 film Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters.
• Shannen Doherty played Gretl, a witch-possessed sister, and Paul McGillion played Hansel, a witch hunter.
• The film was released on DVD in June 2012 by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.