Nicholas Sparks, M. Night Shyamalan Discuss New Book ‘Remain’ and Film Adaptation
Prolific author Nicholas Sparks is set to publish his latest novel, “Remain,” on Tuesday, marking a distinct venture into the horror genre alongside acclaimed director M. Night Shyamalan. This collaboration combines their unique storytelling styles, known for their unexpected twists.
Nicholas Sparks and M. Night Shyamalan Team Up
Sparks, famous for romantic classics like “The Notebook” and “A Walk to Remember,” partnered with Shyamalan, who is renowned for his psychological thrillers. The collaboration began with the decision to co-create both a novel and a film adaptation.
Details About “Remain”
- Release Date: The novel will be available on Tuesday.
- Publisher: Penguin Random House.
- Main Character: Tate Donovan, a New York architect.
- Setting: Cape Cod, where Tate is designing a summer home.
- Thematic Elements: Combines romance and horror through the exploration of loss and beliefs in the supernatural.
Tate Donovan arrives at Cape Cod hoping for a fresh start after being discharged from a psychiatric facility. He grapples with the recent loss of his sister Sylvia, who revealed the ability to see spirits. This revelation creates tension in Tate’s logical worldview.
The Film Adaptation
The film version of “Remain” will star Jake Gyllenhaal and Phoebe Dynevor. Shyamalan has directed the movie and aims for an October 2026 release. Sparks completed his manuscript in January 2024, while Shyamalan finished filming in the summer.
Unique Collaboration Challenges
Despite their differing styles, Sparks and Shyamalan managed to blend elements from both of their portfolios. Sparks recalls their initial attempt to work together occurred years ago when Shyamalan was asked to write the script for “The Notebook.” However, scheduling conflicts prevented it from happening.
As Sparks teased about potential twists in both the book and film, he mentioned that even if the conclusions differ, fans of both mediums should look forward to surprises in both formats. Sparks stated, “You’ve got to read the book and see the movie.”
This unique partnership highlights the intriguing blend of romance and horror, showcasing the distinct talents of Sparks and Shyamalan as they redefine traditional storytelling boundaries. Fans eagerly anticipate both the novel and the film adaptation of “Remain.”
