Jake Gyllenhaal is once again stepping into a role that blends emotional depth with genre tension. The Remain star teams up with M. Night Shyamalan for the director’s next original thriller, a supernatural romantic tale co-created with Nicholas Sparks. With a release date set for October 23, 2026, and a story that intertwines love, death, and the supernatural, Gyllenhaal’s latest project is already sparking interest — and not just from genre fans.
Remain is more than just a thriller — it’s a genre fusion with soul
What makes Remain stand out isn’t just the creative trio behind it. It’s the way the film merges Shyamalan’s knack for eerie atmosphere and plot twists with Sparks’ emotional storytelling. The filmmaker and novelist didn’t just collaborate; they created separate works from the same concept. Shyamalan wrote the screenplay, while Sparks penned a novel based on the story. Both pieces, though different in medium, share the same core — a love story with supernatural elements.
And Gyllenhaal is at the center of it. He plays Tate Donovan, a New York architect seeking a fresh start on Cape Cod after leaving a psychiatric facility. His character’s journey toward healing is disrupted — or perhaps deepened — by a mysterious woman named Wren, played by Phoebe Dynevor. As Tate’s logical world unravels, so does the line between reality and the supernatural.
Gyllenhaal’s Tate Donovan is a character built for emotional and psychological layers
Tate Donovan isn’t just a man with a past. He’s someone grappling with loss, mental health, and belief. Gyllenhaal’s track record with complex, internal characters makes him a perfect fit for Tate. From Nightcrawler to Donnie Darko, he’s proven he can convey turmoil beneath a calm exterior. Tate’s struggle with the death of his sister and his skepticism about a family gift — the ability to see spirits — gives Gyllenhaal plenty to work with.
What separates this role from Gyllenhaal’s previous work is the emotional gravity tied to the supernatural. Tate’s encounter with Wren isn’t just romantic; it forces him to question everything he knows. And as a plot synopsis reveals, there’s more beneath the surface of Wren’s life — a danger that threatens their bond and forces Tate into a desperate search for the truth.
The film’s October 2026 release date sets up a potential genre showdown
Warner Bros. has slotted Remain for an October 23, 2026 release, placing it right in the Halloween season. The catch? That’s the same day Universal plans to release the next Jordan Peele film. Both Shyamalan and Peele are masters of blending social commentary with genre filmmaking, so a box office clash between the two could be unavoidable — unless one studio decides to move their date.
For now, Remain is planning to use that Halloween spotlight. And with Shyamalan’s recent success on the commercial side — like Trap for Warner Bros., which earned over $86 million worldwide — studios may be more willing to let him own the genre holiday. Especially with a star like Gyllenhaal leading the charge.
Behind the scenes: Shyamalan, Sparks, and Gyllenhaal create a unique storytelling trio
The collaboration between Shyamalan and Sparks is being described as “one-of-a-kind” for a reason. The two didn’t just co-write a story — they tailored it to their strengths. Sparks’ novel, releasing October 7, 2025, is aimed at readers who crave emotional resonance. Shyamalan’s film, coming a year later, targets viewers who want that emotion mixed with suspense and the supernatural.
Gyllenhaal’s involvement bridges those audiences. His fans from indie dramas, superhero films, and psychological thrillers will likely follow him into Remain. And with additional cast members like Dynevor (known from Bridgerton) and Ashley Walters (Adolescence), the film is shaping up to have a diverse appeal.
What fans can expect from Gyllenhaal’s performance in Remain
Expect Gyllenhaal to ground Remain in reality, even as the story drifts into the supernatural. His role as Tate Donovan will probably lean into his ability to portray vulnerability and intensity simultaneously. This isn’t Prisoners or Zodiac intensity, but quiet, emotional conflict that builds beneath the surface. A Gyllenhaal stare-down with grief, belief, and love — and how those emotions can free us or trap us, even beyond death.
With Remain, Gyllenhaal isn’t just starring in another thriller. He’s part of an experiment in storytelling — one that crosses mediums, genres, and emotional states. And that’s a role worth watching.