Production
In January 2025, it was announced M. Night Shyamalan would write and direct a supernatural romantic thriller film based on an idea of his and Nicholas Sparks, who wrote an accompanying novel. Jake Gyllenhaal was cast in the lead role, and Warner Bros. Pictures acquired distribution rights. [2] Sparks' manager had tasked him with developing "an original story that you think will fit [Shyamalan's] audience and yours — and he's going to do the same thing." After sharing ideas at a first meeting, they decided to proceed with Shyamalan's story. [3] [4] By May, Phoebe Dynevor and Ashley Walters joined the cast of the film, now titled Remain. [5] [1] [6] In July, additional cast members were revealed. [7]
Remain was filmed with 35mm VistaVision cameras. [8] Principal photography in Rhode Island began on June 18, 2025. [9] [10] Locations included the Coffee Depot in Warren; [9] [11] a ferry on Narragansett Bay (accessed via the Prudence Island Ferry dock) and the town common in Bristol; [12] [13] [14] the closed Gray's General Store in Adamsville and the Haffenreffer estate in Sakonnet Point, Little Compton; [15] [16] Washington Square (including the exterior of the Florence K. Murray Courthouse in Eisenhower Park) in Newport; [17] [18] the Swamp Meadow Bridge in Foster; [14] a tavern in Chepachet, Glocester; [19] the historic Cranston Street Armory and the Dexter Training Ground in Providence; and the Fort Wetherill State Park in Jamestown. [20] Filming was scheduled to conclude on August 8, [21] [22] and a wrap party was held on August 10. [20] Shyamalan's production company Blinding Edge Pictures paid a monthly $10,000 fee to lease the Cranston Street Armory for seven months, starting on May 1, 2025. [11] [22] The production moved into the armory, which it used as a soundstage, in early July and will keep it available until the end of November for any necessary reshoots. [11] [23]