Universal Pictures has tapped Scott Derrickson to direct an adaptation of Davis Grubb’s renowned 1953 novel, “The Night of the Hunter.” Collaborating with his longtime partner Robert Cargill, Derrickson will craft the script for this thrilling project, adding another feather to their cap following their work on “The Black Phone” and “Doctor Strange.”
The narrative centers on Harry Powell, a cunning serial killer who masquerades as a preacher to marry a widow and access her late husband’s hidden wealth. However, his stepchildren, John and Pearl, become the prime targets of his relentless pursuit as he hunts down the fortune concealed by their father.
An instant sensation, Grubb’s novel was a finalist for the National Book Award and was previously adapted into a classic film directed by Charles Laughton and starring Robert Mitchum.
Derrickson and Cargill, currently in post-production for their upcoming film featuring Miles Teller, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Sigourney Weaver, are set to reunite with Universal and Blumhouse for the sequel to their hit horror flick, “The Black Phone,” slated to commence production this fall.
With an impressive track record including titles like “Deliver Us from Evil,” “Sinister,” and “Doctor Strange,” Derrickson brings his expertise to breathe life into Grubb’s gripping tale. Alongside Cargill, Derrickson’s contributions to the horror genre have left an indelible mark, making them a formidable duo in Hollywood.
Represented by WME and Brillstein Entertainment Partners, Derrickson and Cargill continue to showcase their creative prowess, promising audiences an enthralling adaptation that pays homage to Grubb’s timeless masterpiece.
