An upcoming adaptation of Night of the Hunter (1955) is reportedly in the works at Univeral Pictures. The script of the film, based on Davis Grubb's novel, is being penned by Matt Orton, who has previously penned the historical drama, Operation Finale (2018).

Even as the shutdown due to the coronavirus outbreak has halted shootings and production in several parts of the world, initial development works such as deciding on writers and directors are still being carried out.  

The plot of Night of the Hunter follows a murderer who marries an outlaw's widow to obtain her dead husband's hidden loot. The film was controversial even when it released in 1955 as the widow's children are reluctant to divulge details of their father's money and put through an ordeal. 

Peter Gethers and Amy Pascal will produce the upcoming adaptation.