Scott Derrickson and C. Robert Cargill Set to Revive '50s Classic 'The Night of the Hunter'

Scott Derrickson and C. Robert Cargill, recognized for their contributions to horror films like Sinister and The Black Phone, are preparing to undertake a new venture: revamping the highly regarded '50s suspense classic, The Night of the Hunter.

Derrickson will take the helm of the upcoming film, which will enjoy the support of Universal Studios. Together with Cargill, he will also craft the screenplay, a development confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter.

The narrative is an adaptation of David Grubb's dark novel, published in 1953, by the same title. The plot weaves the tale of Harry Powell, portrayed by Robert Mitchum, an ex-convict with a history of violence who masquerades as a clergyman. His motive is to wed a widow whose spouse was recently put to death, aiming to uncover the location of a large sum of money stashed away by her late husband with their children. The children grow wary of their mother's new partner, leading to a tense standoff when they decline to disclose the whereabouts of the $10,000.

In the wake of announcing the remake, Cargill took to Twitter, emphasizing that the original NIGHT OF THE HUNTER, inspired by a significantly more sinister novel than the 1950s movie adaptation suggested, made this project an exhilarating prospect for them.

Before embarking on the journey to reimagine The Night of the Hunter, Derrickson, and Cargill are set to complete The Black Phone 2. The predecessor, inspired by a short story from Stephen King's son Joe Hill, follows the harrowing experience of Finney Shaw, a 13-year-old abducted and confined in a soundproof basement by a malevolent figure known as The Grabber. Initially, escape appears impossible until a disconnected phone on the wall offers a glimmer of hope, bearing messages from The Grabber's past victims attempting to aid his escape.

Mason Thames is confirmed to reprise his role as Finney, with Ethan Hawke returning as The Grabber.