Bayona, del Toro to develop ‘Hater’

Filmmaker Juan Antonio Bayona is set to direct Universal’s adaptation of David Moody’s novel “Hater,” according to Variety.

Glen Mazzara (“The Shield”) penned the screenplay, which focuses on an epidemic of violence perpetrated by ordinary people.

Guillermo del Toro jumped on board to produce the project, which marks Bayona’s English-language debut. Mark Johnson is set to co-produce.

Bayona most recently directed the excellent Spanish thriller “The Orphanage,” which picked up numerous film awards worldwide.

Bayone told Variety he finds the idea of a movie focusing on people’s fears in today’s world interesting. Production on “Hater” is set to kick off next year.