<Li> Monique Ganderton as Candy Witch, the old, child - eating witch who lived in the gingerbread house . </Li> <Li> Stephanie Corneliussen as Desert Witch (uncredited), a witch with sand - based abilities . </Li> <P> Wirkola got the idea to create a film based on the adult lives of Hansel and Gretel in 2007 while at film school in Australia . After being discovered by Gary Sanchez Productions, Wirkola pitched the idea at a meeting with Paramount Pictures and won a contract . Production began in March 2011 at the Babelsberg Studios in Germany and included extensive use of traditional special effects . In addition, Renner and Arterton had a month of training beforehand to prepare for the physical demands of their roles . In terms of the weapons and wardrobe, Wirkola wanted an old - world look with a modern touch, and he was adamant about filming outdoors in European nature rather than in a studio . The project was filmed in Germany and featured an international cast and crew . </P> <P>--Tommy Wirkola (writer / director) in 2009 </P>

Where was hansel and gretel witch hunters filmed