‘The Night of the Hunter’ Remake with Scott Derrickson as the Director

In 1955 came a noir thriller film that, with its exemplary style, became an inspiration for filmmakers like Guillermo del Toro, Spike Lee, Martin Scorsese, and more. The film was The Night of the Hunter, based on the 1953 novel by Davis Grubb of the same name. Around three years ago, news came swirling around that Pascal Pictures’ Amy Pascal would be working on the remake of The Night of the Hunter. Since then, there has been no word regarding the project. However, something has been revealed recently about the project, and the news is exhilarating. 

Filmmaker Scott Derrickson has been chosen to direct the remake of the masterpiece. It’s no easy feat for the filmmaker to helm the film, but given his vast career, which includes films like The Black Phone, Doctor Strange, and Sinister, the filmmaker can be trusted with the responsibility of doing justice to the original film adaptation directed by Charles Laughton. 

Why is making a remake of The Night of a Hunter a milestone in itself?

Sitting on the edge of my seat, biting my nails, curiously trying to figure out the next move—this is how a person may look when completely engrossed in a thriller movie. This is exactly how people may have watched The Night of the Hunter, as it has all the elements to keep you hooked to the end while satiating the soul that seeks suspenseful drama. 

The 1955 noir thriller film was the epitome of suspenseful drama and is regarded as one of the best films of all time. What adds to the base of the story is the fact that the novel and film draw on the true story of Harry Powers, who was hanged in 1932 for the murder of two widows and three children in Clarksburg, West Virginia. 

The story of the film centers around a man named Harry Powell. His appearance can be a fitting definition of deception as he looks like a pious and serene man, but his intentions are nothing less than malicious. He marries a widow, depicting himself as a man of faith, but what he hides behind his gentle face is a hideous mind as he is actually a serial killer who has wed the widow to claim the fortune left to her by her deceased husband. As his true and vile intentions are disclosed to his stepchildren, John and Pearl are forced to watch their backs and remain vigilant at all times, as Harry is on the prowl to take possession of their family’s wealth. 

The film’s lyrical and expressionistic style resembles the techniques adapted in earlier silent films, and The Night of the Hunter sets a milestone for anyone who wishes to reconstruct it. Pascal and her production company remain committed to producing films as part of their existing first-look deal with Universal. Additionally, Peter Gethers will join the project under his KramMar Delicious Mystery Productions banner. 

In the original 1955 film, Robert Mitchum impeccably portrayed the role of Harry Powell, whose performance indeed brought chills. As of now, there has been no update regarding the cast of the remake film, but since it’s going to be a massive project, an ensemble cast is expected to join.