A powerhouse enters the ring: Jake Gyllenhaal
Pictured Above: Wren (Phoebe Dynevor), Remain promotional poster/book cover, WB Studios
Nicholas Sparks, the author behind stories such as The Notebook, and M. Night Shyamalan, director of films such as The Unbreakable trilogy, are teaming up to deliver a blended media experience for the ages. In collaboration with Shyamalan, Sparks released the completed novel at the end of 2025. The film will follow by releasing on February 5th, 2027.[1] Starring one of the modern greats, who I am always astounded has somehow not one his due oscar yet, Jake Gyllenhaal, recognised for his deeply raw, emotional performances in films such as Southpaw, Stronger, Demolition man and many more. Joining him will be breakout star Phoebe Dynevor, known largely for her time in Netflix’s period drama Bridgerton. Gyllenhaal is one of my favourite actors in the industry, but when coupled with a capable team, Some of the most enthralling pieces of cinema come knocking.
Classed as a supernatural romance thriller, the story follows an architect named Tate who relocates to Cape Cod after spending some time in a psychiatric facility while dealing with the loss of his sister, who reveals that she can see spirits that are still bound to the land of the living. A gift that is hereditary. While staying at a Bed and Breakfast in an old town, he meets a woman named Wren who will confront him into questioning what he thought he knew about the world. A powerful connection is forged between the two, but Tate is exposed to the various layers of Wren’s home town, pushing him to uncover the secrets surrounding her and the city they reside in, something that will send him down a deep rabbit hole.[2]
Pictured Above: Jake Gyllenhaal, on the set of Ambulance (2022)
The two creatives, Sparks and Shyamalan, interestingly wrote independent versions of the same story. So while there will be many things that carry over, it will be understandable why so many differences present themselves. What has been presented to audiences so far in preview screenings has resulted in the highest appraisal of the latter’s career, a mountainous milestone considering he has been involved with directing for 25+ years.
The timing of release is very intentional. Initially slated to drop in late 2026, Warner Brothers pushed it to February due to the recent success of the controversial film, “Wuthering Heights”. What this demonstrated was a large audience is seeking to see well crafted romance stories prior to Valentines day, as couples who celebrate this tradition are in the zone to seek out such movies.
The same week will see the sixth main entry of Ice Age let loose into the wild. Though it feels unnecessary, the power of nostalgia will lure us all back into the world of Sid, Manny and Diego. A Judd Apatow comedy film starring Glen Powell will also join the fray. Considering the significant Genre difference, all three of these movies have a corner to individually stand in, a rare perfect alignment of cinema.[3]
While information on the film itself is fairly scarce, enough exists to warrant keeping your eyes peeled for more details. In the meantime, the book is available, and I have put the reference to it below.
Until the next story,
– Nick Roberts, March 8th. 2026
[1] Lang, B, February 2026, M. Night Shyamalan’s ‘Remain’ With Jake Gyllenhaal Sets February 2027 Release Date, Variety, https://variety.com/2026/film/news/m-night-shyamalan-remain-jake-gyllenhaal-2027-release-date-1236654541/
[2] (BOOK LINK) Sparks, N/Shyamalan, M, October 2025, Remain: A supernatural love story, Amazon, https://www.amazon.com.au/Remain-supernatural-bestselling-blockbuster-thrillers-ebook/dp/B0DZT4Q3Y5
[3] Woodward, A, March 2026, Jake Gyllenhaal opens up about wrapping M. Night Shyamalan’s latest thriller Remain, Art Threat, https://artthreat.net/5775-26009-jake-gyllenhaal-opens-up-about-wrapping-m-night-shyamalan-s-latest-thriller-rema/
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