Unbreakable 2 Outline Is Written, Shyamalan Says

CBR

By Brandon Staley

Published Feb 6, 2017

The director teased in late January that he would be writing a sequel to the 2000 superhero movie, and now says the outline is done.

Director M. Night Shyamalan has begun teasing his next film on Twitter, which some believe will become the long-rumored follow-up to his 2000 superhero rumination “Unbreakable.”

I have an 11 page outline for my next film in my bag. I can't tell you what it is, but If you've seen #Split...— M. Night Shyamalan (@MNightShyamalan) February 4, 2017

Shyamalan recently stated his interest in making a sequel to “Unbreakable.” Hot off the release of his psychological horror film “Split,” Shyamalan told Uproxx he was looking to make another movie in the “Unbreakable” universe, and that this project would take precedence.

“I do intend on making a final 'Unbreakable' movie and I’m intending on doing it next,” Shyamalan told the media outlet in early January, going on to tease connections between the planned sequel and the recently release “Split.” “It’s the final movie of these two movies put together.”

“Unbreakable” starred Bruce Willis as a man who uncovers his superhuman powers upon surviving a train crash. Willis’ character, David Dunn, is incredibly strong and seemingly impervious to physical harm. On the opposite end of the spectrum is Elijah Price (Samuel L. Jackson), whose bones are brittle and prone to fracture. Together, the two represent Shyamalan’s examination of decades-old superhero tropes spawned by comic books.

Now, the director claims to have an 11-page script for a sequel in the works. The obvious question is how Shyamalan would pull together the cast of the 17-year-old movie today. According to Shyamalan, he’s still in contact with a large part film's cast.

“Yeah, I’m still close to Bruce and everybody,” said Shyamalan. “And obviously I’m still close to James and still in touch with Sam and all that stuff. So, hopefully that becomes a reality very soon.”

While Shyamalan was not explicit about the connection between “Unbreakable” and “Split,” the films share certain qualities. “Split” follows the kidnapping of three teenagers -- played by Haley Lu Richardson, Jessica Sula and Anya Taylor-Joy -- by Dennis (James McAvoy), a man suffering from dissociative personality disorder who must mentally contend with 23 separate personalities.

The following paragraph contains spoilers for the conclusion of “Split"...

While Bruce Willis’ character does not make an overt appearance in the film, David Dunn does show up at the movie’s conclusion, sitting in a diner after the traumatic events of the film have concluded and become televised news. Diner patrons make note that McAvoy’s character reminds them of another wheelchair-bound villain from 15 years ago, and Bruce Willis’ Dunn recalls Jackson’s alter-ego, Mr. Glass, by name, effectively tying to the movie universes together.

Currently in theaters, “Split” is a production of Blinding Edge Pictures, directed by M. Night Shyamalan and starring James McAvoy, Anya Taylor-Joy and Betty Buckley.