Kristen Stewart won't return for <em>Snow White and the Huntsman 2</em>

Los Angeles - Kristen Stewart has been dropped from Snow White and the Huntsman 2.

The actress - who played the iconic fairy tale character in the original movie in 2012 - is said to have been axed from the sequel as it takes a new angle under director Frank Darabont.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the 24-year-old star won't be returning for the second movie as it will now be a spin-off not focusing on Snow White as a character.

There had previously been reports claiming she would be exiting the franchise, although these were emphatically denied by the studio at the time.

Instead, it is said the film - now titled The Huntsman - will follow Chris Hemsworth in the titular role.

Meanwhile, Charlize Theron will still be back as Queen Ravenna, Snow White's evil stepmother.

With new director Darabont taking charge, it means former boss Rupert Sanders - who had an affair with Stewart during their time on the movie - will also not be returning for the much-anticipated sequel, which is due to be released in 2016.