Hammer Films prepping witch trial thriller The Daylight Gate

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

Hammer Films is getting into the witch trial business, acquiring movie rights to Jeanette Winterson’s novella THE DAYLIGHT GATE, reports Variety. The tale deals with the notorious 1612 Pendle witch trials, during which a dozen people were charged with the murders of 10 people by the use of witchcraft.

Here is a synopsis via the book’s publisher:

A mysterious gathering of thirteen people is interrupted by a local magistrate. Is it a witches’ Sabbat? In Lancaster Castle two notorious witches await trial and certain death, while the beautiful and wealthy Alice Nutter rides to their defense.

Elsewhere a starved child lurks. And a Jesuit priest and former Gunpowder plotter makes his way from France to a place he believes will offer him sanctuary. But will it? And how safe can anyone be in Witch Country?

No word on who will adapt the book for the big screen; a director has not been announced yet either. Hopefully more news on this title comes in soon, because I loves me some Hammer!