Universal Pictures is mounting a remake of the 1955 classicThe Night of the Hunterand has hiredOperation FinalescribeMatt Ortonto write the script, according toVariety.
Orton will adapt the 1953 novel byDavis Grubb, and the story will updated for modern audiences.Amy Pascalwill produce via her Pascal Pictures along withPeter Gethers, while Universal’sJay Polidorowill oversee the project on behalf of the studio.
Directed byCharles Laughton,The Night of the HunterstarredRobert Mitchumas Reverend Harry Powell, a misogynistic serial killer whose former cellmate made off with $10,000 following a bank robbery. The bank robber is executed, and when Powell gets out of jail, he sets out to find the man’s widow so he can steal the money from her and her young children, who know where it’s hidden. Once Powell reveals his sinister intentions, an all-night standoff ensues.
When news of this project first broke, Collider’s internal Slack channel exploded with casting suggestions, with everyone fromJosh BrolinandNicolas CagetoMichael ShannonandWalton Gogginsmentioned. Veteran film reporterAnne Thompsontook to Twitterto throwTom Hardy’s name in the ring, and I do think the studio will seek a legitimate movie star for the villainous lead role.Matt Damonmade a great psycho inThe Talented Mr. Ripley, and I love whenRyan Goslinggoes dark, as inDriveorThe Place Beyond the Pines. TheAmerican Psychohimself,Christian Bale, would also be a worthy choice. But for some reason, I keep coming back toEdward Norton, who may not put butts in seats, but always delivers top-notch performances. If you’ve seen Norton in films likePrimal Fear,American History X,Down in the ValleyandStone, you know he’s capable of the charming darkness that the Powell role requires.
Of course, before casting begins, the studio will have to find a director. Just like I did with thehypotheticalTiger Kingmovie, I’d suggestDavid Gordon Green, but then again, he already tackled this kind of material in his 2004 filmUndertow, which drew comparisons toNight of the Hunter, so he’s out. A female filmmaker would be interesting for this project – perhaps someone likeJennifer Kent, whose most recent film,The Nightingale, was a terrifying masterpiece.
Let us know who you think should star in theNight of the Hunterremake – and direct it – in the comments section below. And even though it has nothing to do withNight of the Hunter,click hereto watch a clip from theHenry CavillmovieNight Hunter, which is also about a sadistic killer preying on women.
