M. Night Shyamalan inks a multi-year, first-look deal with Warner Bros. Pictures Group, leaving Universal where he’s spent the last 8 years.
The comeback of M. Night Shyamalan continues. Deadline has reported that Shyamalan has inked a multi-year, first-look directing and producing deal with Warner Bros. Pictures Group.
M. Night Shyamalan has called Universal Pictures home for the last eight years, as they’ve released all of his more recent films, including The Visit, Split, Glass, Old, and Knock at the Cabin. Under this new agreement with Warner Bros., Shyamalan and his production company Blinding Edge Pictures will develop original projects which he will produce and/or direct.
“Where I write and direct is my home,” Shyamalan said. “Disney and Universal, where I’ve made most of my films, will always be home and family to me. Warner Bros. has a storied history of cinema. Through its recent experiences, the company has rediscovered its love and appreciation for filmmakers, and the impact of the theatrical experience. We all win when movies succeed in theaters. I believe David Zaslav, Michael De Luca, and Pam Abdy have dedicated themselves to unique filmmakers, and to filling theaters all around the world for years to come.“
Warner Bros. Pictures Group Co-Chairs and CEOs Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy added, “Night is one of the most iconic and influential directors of his generation and an auteur in every sense of the word. From The Sixth Sense through Split to his latest chiller Knock at the Cabin, he’s one of the few directors in contemporary cinema whose name alone promises a bold, singular vision, compelling original storytelling and a provocative, surprising and entirely unique experience at the theater. We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome him to the Warner Bros. family, and look forward to an exciting collaboration with Night and the entire Blinding Edge team.“
Shyamalan’s next film is Trap, a new thriller which will kick off production this year and has already been slated for a August 2, 2024 release. Blinding Edge is also developing The Watchers, which will mark the feature directorial debut of Shyamalan’s daughter, Ishana Night Shyamalan. That film will also start production this year and is set for a June 7, 2024 release.