Once upon a time, the name M. Night Shyamalan was poised to be one of greatness. Sadly, it’s instead become one that induces trepidation and groans. The following news, however, certainly helps to alleviate skepticism around his next project. He’s apparently attracted the likes of Bradley Cooper, Gwyneth Paltrow and Shyamalan vet Bruce Willis. [THR]
As is customary with the director’s original projects, there is a load of secrecy surrounding plot details. “Only top studio execs” have read the script, and even they were under the eye of a “Shyamalan” assistant,” but one could surmise (what with all the secrecy) that M. Night is up to his usual tricks of twists and turns.
While I’ll always give him a fair shake (maybe out of wishful thinking), the man hasn’t tickled my fancy since The Village, which I’m in the minority for enjoying anyway. The Last Airbender (set to release July 1st) has yet to pique my interest, but we’ll just have to wait and see how the man does with material that doesn’t come from his apparently hackneyed “originality.” Even still, he did his best work with Willis, and Cooper and Paltrow have proven themselves as reliable talent in the past, so maybe (just maybe) this next project will be worthwhile.
Then again, I thought Mark Wahlberg and Zooey Deschanel were valiant casting efforts, and look how that turned out.
Will Shyamalan continue to disappoint with his next mystery project, or could a solid cast return him to form?