Prepare to be captivated by an unexpected collaboration that defies all expectations: Nicholas Sparks, the master of heartfelt romance, and M. Night Shyamalan, the king of spine-tingling twists, have joined forces to create a supernatural romance that will leave you breathless. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can these two creative powerhouses truly blend their distinct styles into one cohesive story? And this is the part most people miss—their paths have crossed before, long before this daring project.
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Sparks revealed a surprising connection. Decades ago, during the early stages of The Notebook, the studio sought a fresh perspective on the script. Among the writers they approached was a young, relatively unknown screenwriter named M. Night Shyamalan. Boldly, Shyamalan declined, citing his commitment to The Sixth Sense. Sparks chuckled, “You’ve got to give him his pass. It all worked out for him!”
Fast forward to today, and the duo has finally teamed up for Remain, a novel and upcoming film starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Phoebe Dynevor. The story centers on Tate Donovan, a New York architect seeking a fresh start after a devastating loss. When he arrives in Cape Cod to design his best friend’s summer home, he meets Wren, a mysterious young woman who challenges his orderly worldview. Their instant connection sparks a journey of self-discovery, love, and liberation from the shadows of their pasts. But here’s the twist: As Tate races to save Wren from an ominous fate, he questions the very nature of reality, love, and the stories we tell ourselves.
Sparks and Shyamalan’s collaboration was built on a unique agreement: each would bring an original story to their first meeting, ensuring it could thrive in both their genres. “I gave him a real long leash on his medium, and he gave me a real long leash on mine,” Sparks explained. The result? A novel and film that share a foundation but diverge in ways that only enhance the experience. And this is the part most people miss: The endings differ, but both are deliberate and purposeful. To fully appreciate Remain, you’ll need to read the book and watch the film.
What makes this partnership so intriguing is the blending of their distinct strengths. Sparks’ focus on love and deep emotion complements Shyamalan’s exploration of darkness and the unexpected. Boldly, Sparks asks: “How well do you know anyone? We think we know people, but what’s going on between the ears at all times, we never know.” This theme of uncertainty and the transformative power of love is at the heart of Remain.
Casting Jake Gyllenhaal and Phoebe Dynevor was serendipitous. Gyllenhaal, a long-time admirer of Shyamalan’s work, expressed interest in collaborating during a chance lunch meeting. Dynevor, one of three contenders, stood out for her exceptional talent. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can Gyllenhaal and Dynevor truly embody the complex characters Sparks and Shyamalan have created? Only time will tell.
Reflecting on the collaboration, Sparks admits the experience was enriching, both creatively and personally. “Writing can be very solitary, so it’s fun to work with someone and have that sounding board,” he shared. Yet, he remains committed to his core approach: crafting original stories that could thrive as novels, films, or series. Boldly, he challenges the audience: “How do I do everything else in a way that we haven’t necessarily seen it in film, television, or books before?”
Remain is available now, and the film adaptation is on the horizon. But here’s the question that lingers: Will this collaboration redefine the boundaries of supernatural romance, or will it leave audiences divided? One thing’s for sure—you won’t want to miss this bold experiment in storytelling. What do you think? Will Sparks and Shyamalan’s unique blend of romance and suspense work for you? Let the debate begin!
