Horror legend M. Night Shyamalan has ended his prolific partnership with Universal, as Deadline revealed yesterday that the director has entered into a multi-year first-look directing and producing agreement with Warner Bros.
Under the new agreement, Shyamalan and his Philadelphia-based production company Blinding Edge Pictures will develop original projects for the filmmaker to produce and/or direct, the first in the pipeline being Trap - for which plot details are as of now unknown - due for theatrical release on August 2, 2024. Shyamalan will also develop for New Line, and will produce their recently acquired The Watchers, the first feature from his daughter Ishana.
In a statement, Shyamalan spoke of the transition excitedly while also paying his respects to Universal:
“Where I write and direct is my home...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.”
M. Night's Universal years are considered by many to be some of the director's career-best, and re-established him as a filmmaking titan after a series of box office bombs. The Visit, Split, Glass, Old and his most recent Knock at the Cabin were all a result of the Shyamalan/Universal partnership.
Needless to say, wherever M. Night makes his home is sure to see staggering profits from the auteur. Knock at the Cabin opened at No. 1 at the box office, clocking a $40 million worldwide profit off a $20M production cost. In total, Deadline reports that M. Night has grossed a massive $3.3 billion at the box office over the course of his career.
Knock at the Cabin is still enjoying its theatrical run, so go check it out while we wait for updates on Trap!
