I think that if Depp sincerely wants to it, it will get done. But, as we've seen, it could take awhile.
Yep, exactly. Here is what I've read about the project so far: as of now, the director will be Edgar Wright, who has directed Shaun of the Dead and Scott Pilgrim vs. The World:
Deadline.com: Disney Taps Edgar Wright To Helm Johnny Depp In ‘The Night Stalker’ Feature RedoAnd just a few weeks ago, D.V. DeVincentis was signed to the project as the screenwriter. He also wrote the High Fidelity screenplay.
Hollywood Reporter: Johnny Depp's 'Night Stalker' Movie Enlists 'High Fidelity' Writer (Exclusive)So so far, nobody who was connected with DS, except for Johnny. And yeah, it's a Disney film
From the talent involved so far, I don't think it will be serious. But I love Shaun of the Dead, so I'm kind of excited by it- I just hope Disney will let it be dark enough (on the order of Pirates 1 would work for me).
It'll probably take awhile. We don't know what Johnny is doing after Lone Ranger, but some think it may be The Thin Man, as it's already had a director and screenwriter for awhile, and there is some chatter about casting. Or it may be Pirates 5