In a move that's as surprising as one of Shyamalan's signature plot twists, M. Night Shyamalan, the master of psychological suspense, and Nicholas Sparks, the king of tear-jerking romance, have announced their collaboration on Remain. This isn't just a film or a book—it's both, with Sparks penning a novel set for release on October 7, 2025, and Shyamalan crafting a screenplay for a film expected to begin production in August 2025. Described as a supernatural romantic thriller, Remain promises to blend Shyamalan's eerie twists with Sparks' emotional depth, creating a project that's already generating buzz.
The Unlikely Duo: A Creative Collision
Imagine pairing a thunderstorm with a sunset—two powerful forces that could either complement each other or clash spectacularly. That's the essence of Shyamalan and Sparks' collaboration. Shyamalan's films, like The Sixth Sense and Signs, are known for their suspenseful narratives and jaw-dropping reveals, often exploring the supernatural with a psychological edge. Sparks, meanwhile, has built a legacy with novels like The Notebook and A Walk to Remember, crafting stories that tug at heartstrings with themes of love and loss.
This partnership is a first for both. Shyamalan, who typically writes his screenplays solo, is co-creating a story with Sparks, marking a new creative venture (Deadline). For Sparks, Remain is his 26th novel but his first to be developed alongside its film adaptation from the outset (People). The dual development—novel and film—adds an ambitious layer, with each creator tailoring the same story to their medium.
The Story of Remain
Remain centers on Tate Donovan, a New York architect grappling with the aftermath of a mental health crisis triggered by his sister's death. Seeking a fresh start, he relocates to Cape Cod to design a summer home for a friend. There, he meets Wren, a mysterious young woman who challenges his logic-driven existence. The plot, described as a “Hitchcockian romance,” weaves together mystery, supernatural elements, and emotional turmoil, suggesting a narrative that's both thrilling and heartfelt (World of Reel).
The casting choices amplify the project's potential. Jake Gyllenhaal, known for intense, nuanced performances in films like Nightcrawler and Donnie Darko, will play Tate. Phoebe Dynevor, who rose to fame as Daphne in Bridgerton, takes on the role of Wren, replacing Alicia Vikander, who exited the project earlier this year (Movieweb). Their chemistry could be a highlight, blending Gyllenhaal's depth with Dynevor's charm.
Production and Creative Team
The novel, published by Random House, is set for release on October 7, 2025, with a cover designed by Sparks' longtime collaborator Flamur Tonuzi (PenguinRandomHouse). The film, produced by Shyamalan's Blinding Edge Pictures alongside Sparks' producers Theresa Park and Marc Bienstock, is in discussions with Warner Bros. for theatrical release (Deadline).
Shyamalan is working with cinematographer Adolpho Veloso, whose recent work on Train Dreams earned praise at Sundance 2025. Veloso's visual style, known for its atmospheric intimacy, could enhance Remain's blend of romance and suspense (World of Reel). Production is slated to begin in August 2025, with a theatrical release likely in 2026.
Historical Context: Genre-Blending Collaborations
The Shyamalan-Sparks collaboration isn't the first time filmmakers and authors have crossed genres, but it's a rare fusion of such distinct styles. In 2013, director Baz Luhrmann adapted F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, blending literary romance with visual spectacle, which polarized audiences due to its stylistic excess. Similarly, the 2016 film Me Before You, based on Jojo Moyes' novel, combined romance with drama but faced criticism for its handling of sensitive themes.
What sets Remain apart is its simultaneous development as a novel and film, a model more akin to The Fault in Our Stars (2014), where John Green's novel and its film adaptation were closely aligned. However, Remain's supernatural element and Shyamalan's twist-heavy approach make it a riskier endeavor, potentially appealing to a broader audience but also challenging to balance.
| Project | Creators | Genre Blend | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Great Gatsby (2013) | Baz Luhrmann, F. Scott Fitzgerald | Romance, Drama, Spectacle | Polarized audiences; praised for visuals, criticized for tone |
| Me Before You (2016) | Thea Sharrock, Jojo Moyes | Romance, Drama | Commercial success; mixed reviews on themes |
| The Fault in Our Stars (2014) | Josh Boone, John Green | Romance, Drama | Critical and commercial success; faithful adaptation |
| Remain (2025) | M. Night Shyamalan, Nicholas Sparks | Supernatural, Romance, Thriller | TBD; high anticipation, risky fusion |
Why Remain Matters
Remain is more than a project—it's a cultural experiment. Shyamalan's name draws audiences with his reputation for thought-provoking, twist-filled films, as seen with Trap's $83 million box office on a $30 million budget in 2024 (World of Reel). Sparks' fanbase, spanning generations, ensures a built-in audience for the novel and likely the film. Together, they could redefine genre boundaries, creating a story that's both a heart-pounding thriller and a tearful romance.
However, the project isn't without risks. Shyamalan's recent films, like The Happening (2008) and After Earth (2013), faced critical backlash, though he's since regained favor with hits like Split (2016) (Wikipedia). Sparks' adaptations, such as The Last Song (2010), have sometimes been criticized for formulaic storytelling. The challenge lies in merging their strengths without alienating their respective fans.
Audience Expectations and Potential Impact
Fans of Shyamalan can expect a narrative layered with mystery and at least one signature twist, while Sparks' readers will likely find a deeply emotional story of love and healing. The supernatural element adds intrigue, potentially broadening the appeal to fans of both thriller and romance genres. Gyllenhaal and Dynevor's casting suggests a focus on character-driven drama, which could elevate the film beyond typical genre fare.
The dual release strategy—novel in October 2025, film likely in 2026—creates a unique marketing opportunity, allowing fans to engage with the story in two formats. If successful, Remain could pave the way for more cross-medium collaborations, blending literary and cinematic storytelling in innovative ways.
Closing Thoughts
Remain is shaping up to be one of 2025's most anticipated projects, with the potential to be a groundbreaking fusion of suspense and romance. Whether it becomes a masterpiece or a misfire depends on how Shyamalan and Sparks balance their creative visions. For now, the promise of Gyllenhaal and Dynevor's performances, Veloso's cinematography, and the creators' bold ambition is enough to keep audiences intrigued.
What do you think—will Remain deliver the ultimate emotional rollercoaster, or will it struggle to reconcile its dual identities? Share your thoughts below.
