In a twist of scheduling, this summer moviegoers will be treated to two thrillers directed by filmmakers named Shyamalan.
Ishana Night Shyamalan, daughter of acclaimed director M. Night Shyamalan, will make her feature film directorial debut with “The Watchers,” set to release on June 14. The film stars Dakota Fanning as part of a group of people trapped in the woods who are visited by a mysterious audience every night.
Shortly after, on August 9, M. Night Shyamalan’s latest film, “Trap,” will hit theaters. Josh Hartnett stars as a man trying to escape a massive stadium concert after realizing he is the killer.
The “Summer of Shyamalan” was not planned, but rather a coincidence as both films progressed through development. Warner Bros., the studio distributing both films, determined the release dates based on the best timing for each.
In anticipation of the upcoming releases, Warner Bros. hosted a special event where the Shyamalan father-daughter duo debuted footage from their highly anticipated films and participated in a Q&A session.
Ishana Night Shyamalan spoke about the influence her father’s career has had on her own work, acknowledging the training she has received from him throughout her life. She also cited other filmmakers as inspirations, including Hayao Miyazaki, Wong Kar-wai, and Krzysztof Kieślowski.
M. Night Shyamalan expressed his pride in his daughter’s filmmaking journey, recalling her early talents in various art forms. He emphasized that she naturally gravitated towards filmmaking, and he supported her decision without pushing her.
Ishana Night Shyamalan unveiled the official trailer for “The Watchers” along with exclusive footage. The sequence showcases Dakota Fanning’s character getting lost in the Irish woods and seeking shelter in a one-room building inhabited by three others. Each night, they line up before a glass wall to face the enigmatic Watchers.
Meanwhile, “Trap” unfolds in a giant concert venue where Josh Hartnett’s character takes his daughter to see pop star Lady Raven perform. The film takes an unexpected turn when it is revealed that Hartnett’s character is a serial killer on the loose within the stadium.
Adding another layer of collaboration to “Trap,” M. Night Shyamalan’s eldest daughter, Saleka, contributed to the film’s soundtrack. Saleka, an R&B singer and songwriter, co-wrote songs with her father while he was developing the script.
