Cannes 2016: Nicolas Winding Refn Producing Witchfinder General Remake
John Squires
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Released here in the States as The Conqueror Worm, Michael Reeves’ 1968 film Witchfinder General starred Vincent Price as a witch-hunter, and Drive director Nicolas Winding Refn is a big fan. In fact, he’s such a big fan that he’s now developing a remake of the classic movie, and we’ve got the first details for ya today!
As reported by Deadline, the Danish filmmaker and UK-based producer Rupert Preston have acquired the remake rights to the historical horror drama, and they’re looking to begin production on their adaptation next year. Refn will produce via Space Rocket Nation, while Preston will produce under his new banner Sun Rise Films.
The original Witchfinder General, based on Ronald Bassett’s novel, was set in Norfolk, England, in 1645, and it was a fictionalized study of real-life witch hunter Matthew Hopkins and the heinous crimes he committed during the English Civil War.
Refn describes Reeves’ original as a “very visual and contemporary film,” one that’s “fascinating in its physical and emotional violence.” He hopes to bring a whole new audience to the story.
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