Universal developing remake of classic thriller Night of the Hunter

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

So, another day, another remake of a classic film. It seems that, even though production has understandably been shuttered everywhere, studios are still setting up development deals for writers/directors, to be ready once production starts up again. In this case, writer Matt Orton (who wrote the Oscar Isaac-led Nazi hunting film OPERATION FINALE) is set to pen a contemporary remake of the classic 1955 thriller NIGHT OF THE HUNTER (WATCH THE ORIGINAL HERE).

The original starred an enigmatic Robert Mitchum, and was about

a religious fanatic, con man and murderer who marries a widow, knowing that her deceased husband had hid $10,000 from authorities following a bank robbery. The widow’s young children are reluctant to tell him where their real dad hid the money as the man plots more sinister ways to find where to find the cash.

Now, the remake is obviously in the early stages (and in our current situation, it's unclear when production would even be allowed to start filming), but there have been worse remake ideas that panned out (i.e. Martin Scorsese's remake of the classic Gregory Peck thriller CAPE FEAR comes to mind). And, hell, even if it sucks (like the recent JACOB'S LADDER remake that came-and-went), it's not like it replaces the original or anything.

But what do you guys think? Do you think there's something to a contemporary remake of the film? Or do you think it's too sacred to touch? Or, hell, what's your opinions on remakes in general? Either way, sound off below!