M. Night Shyamalan’s always got a story to tell, and his next one is… interesting. It’s called Remain and has been previously described as a supernatural love story. The twist? It’s coming out as a book first, courtesy of oft-adapted romance author Nicholas Sparks (The Notebook, A Walk to Remember).
If this sounds familiar, it’s because this news was first reported back in January: both on screen and the page, the story concerns an architect named Tate Donovan who’s recently been discharged from a psychiatric facility after his sister’s death left him severely depressed. While working up in Cape Cod to design his best friend’s summer home, he meets a woman named Wren who “makes him challenge everything he knows about his logical and controlled world.”
Shyamalan and Sparks co-created the concept, but will tackle the story separately in their respective mediums. In an X post revealing Remain‘s cover, the filmmaker said more information on his film (which he’s writing and directing) would come “soon.” All that’s known right now is Jake Gyllenhaal has been tapped to play Tate; Deadline reported in March that Phoebe Dynevor (Famous) had signed on as Wren, but that’s yet to be confirmed.
I’m excited to share the cover for the novel version of REMAIN, my upcoming collaboration with @NicholasSparks
The book, written by Nicholas, will be available on 10/7/2025. More news on the film I’m writing and directing coming soon. pic.twitter.com/L5iEMQFEr3
— M. Night Shyamalan (@MNightShyamalan) April 22, 2025
It’s not the first time someone from Hollywood has entered the book business or vice versa, and but it doesn’t always lead to something quite like this. Shyamalan’s been in his thriller bag recently, so if anyone could pull off something as ambitious and odd as this, he’d be the guy.
For anyone curious about Remain the novel, it hits shelves October 7—meanwhile, the movie’s release window is up in the air.
Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
English (US) ·