Night Of The Hunter Remake From Doctor Strange Director On The Way, Stream The Original Classic Immediately
From the classic 1955 film to the highly anticipated reboot, the story of The Night of the Hunter has remained an intriguing tale that has captured the imaginations of audiences for nearly seven decades. Based on the 1953 novel by Davis Grubb, the upcoming Night of the Hunter remake is already sparking eager anticipation and curiosity among both new and old fans alike with the help of Doctor Strange director Scott Derrickson.
The Remake Is In Good Hands
The main creative powerhouses behind the Night of the Hunter remake are none other than Scott Derrickson and C. Robert Cargill, two names that have become synonymous with thrilling films that leave audiences on the edge of their seats. Derrickson, known for his directorial works such as The Black Phone, Doctor Strange, and Sinister, will be heading the project Cargill, who will be co-writing the script for Night of the Hunter, also wrote the script for each of those films. Their past work together bodes well for the upcoming remake.
Night Of The Hunter Is A Serial Killer Thriller
The plot of Night of the Hunter tells the true story of a deceitful serial killer, Harry Powell, posing as a preacher to gain access to a hidden fortune. The widow’s stepchildren, John and Pearl, become the targets of Powell’s relentless pursuit as he seeks the hidden treasure. The original novel was an immediate hit, capturing the imaginations of readers and quickly becoming a finalist for the National Book Award.
The 1955 Movie Is A Must-Watch Classic
Directed by Charles Laughton and featuring Robert Mitchum as the chilling Harry Powell, the first Night of the Hunter film has been hailed as a classic and a genre-defining thriller. In 1992, it was added to the National Film Registry. The film, like the novel, has had a lasting influence on cinema and continues to be revered as a classic.
Various Stage Adaptions
Night of the Hunter found a new life in dramatic adaptations, with several notable versions crafted throughout the years. The first was a musical adaptation by Lyricist-librettist Stephen Cole and composer Claibe Richardson, which started in the late 1990s. The duo also released a concept album in 1998 under the Fynsworth Alley label. Stephen Cole’s creative contributions, including preliminary versions of the book and lyrics, earned him the 2000 Kleban Award for Most Promising Librettist.
The adaptation underwent a workshop revision process before premiering at the Willow’s Theatre in Concord, California, in 2004. The musical later found its way to the New York Musical Theatre Festival in 2006. A new stage adaptation of Night of the Hunter emerged in the City Lit Theater of Chicago, Illinois. This fresh take was the brainchild of Shawna Tucker, and it premiered on October 29, 2023.
Where To Stream The Original
The upcoming Night of the Hunter remake, with Derrickson and Cargill at the helm, has a lot to live up to given the universal praise of the original film and the book’s numerous adaptations. However, the writer-director duo has a history of delivering engaging thrillers, so the film is in good hands.
If you’d like to get an idea of the story before the remake, and see why the original film earned such praise, stream the original Night of the Hunter for free on Tubi, Pluto, and Freevee.
