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M. Night Shyamalan and Nicholas Sparks Unite for a Supernatural Love Story

M. Night Shyamalan is making a notable shift in his cinematic journey with an upcoming film that marks a collaboration with bestselling author Nicholas Sparks. This project, a blend of romance and Shyamalan’s signature supernatural elements, has generated significant buzz. The film, featuring stars Jake Gyllenhaal and Phoebe Dynevor, promises to showcase a different facet of the renowned director’s storytelling capabilities, inviting audiences into a unique narrative landscape.

According to reports from People, the new book on which the film is based is titled Remain. It unfolds as a “supernatural love story,” centering on Gyllenhaal and Dynevor’s characters. Shyamalan is taking the helm of the screenplay, aiming to stay true to the book’s original narrative structure. While a specific release date for the film has yet to be disclosed, the novel is set to hit the shelves on October 7. Below is a synopsis of Remain:

“Remain tells the story of Tate Donovan, a New York architect who travels to Cape Cod to oversee the design of his best friend’s summer residence. As a man seeking solace after his experience in a psychiatric facility for acute depression, Donovan is confronted with the lingering pain of his sister’s death. His life takes an unexpected turn when he meets Wren, a captivating young woman who challenges his structured and logical worldview.”

Shyamalan’s collaboration with Sparks has been described as a “one-of-a-kind partnership.” Sparks is well-known for crafting poignant narratives that resonate on a personal level, evidenced by the numerous adaptations of his works into successful films. However, Remain aims to deliver a distinctly different tone compared to his earlier projects like The Notebook. In a statement, Sparks expressed his enthusiasm about working with Shyamalan, mentioning that this collaboration is one of the highlights of his career. He highlighted the excitement surrounding the book cover reveal, designed by his longtime collaborator, Flamur Tonuzi.

Casting Updates for Remain

While Jake Gyllenhaal and Phoebe Dynevor are confirmed as the leads in Remain, Gyllenhaal’s original co-star was to be Alicia Vikander, known for her roles in Tomb Raider and Ex Machina. However, the casting shifted, bringing Dynevor into the mix as they navigate this supernatural romance set against the picturesque backdrop of Cape Cod. Details regarding additional cast members remain under wraps, though there is speculation that Shyamalan may engage recent collaborators for the project.

Shyamalan’s recent history includes a partnership with Josh Hartnett, whose performance in the thriller Trap earned critical acclaim. Although responses to Trap were varied, it performed well at the box office, grossing $83 million on a $30 million budget. While Shyamalan often explores sequels in his repertoire, his latest ventures might suggest a pivot towards standalone narratives, especially given the mixed reception of his earlier film, Glass.

For additional insights about this collaboration and updates on the film’s progress, visit People.

Source
movieweb.com