The 1979 miniseries of "Salem's Lot" still ranks as one of the scariest Stephen King adaptations of all time. Now "Conjuring" master James Wan is producing a big-screen version of the tale about an ancient evil in a small town.

Wan will produce and Gary Dauberman, whose writing credits include "It" and "The Nun," will pen the script. He'll also serve as executive producer.

Tobe Hooper of "Poltergeist" fame directed the standout '70s miniseries, which starred David Soul as a writer investigating mysterious deaths in his hometown, which all seem linked to newcomer James Mason. It was nominated for 3 Emmys and an Edgar Award. (A heavily edited two-hour version was also released in cinemas in some countries.)

A 1979 sequel was directed by "It's Alive"'s Larry Cohen and there was a 2004 remake starring Rob Lowe.

No director has been announced yet for the new version, although either Wan or Dauberman might opt to take on that role. Dauberman is making his directorial debut with the third "Annabelle" film, "Annabelle Comes Home," which he also scripted.

Wan stepped away from horror to direct "Aquaman" and "Furious 7,"  but the genre seems to where his heart is. He directed the first "Saw" movie, then launched franchises around "The Conjuring" and "Insidious."

Wan and Dauberman are also teaming up for "Swamp Thing," which is set to premiere on the DC Universe platform in May.

[Via THR]