Warner Bros. has agreed to produce M. Night Shyamalans next fantasy thriller LADY IN THE WATER, the trades report. THE VILLAGE filmmaker will write and direct as well as produce along with Blinding Edge Pictures Sam Mercer. All of the thrill masters pics since THE SIXTH SENSE have been made with Walt Disney, however both parties past on working on LADY together.
A Disney rep commented in HOLLYWOOD REPORTER, "We have a terrific relationship with Night, and although we didn't agree creatively on this particular project, we look forward to working with him in the future."
Warner Bros. president Alan Horn said, "I hope that it is the first of many outstanding films that Night makes at our studio."
LADY follows the superintendent of an apartment building who discovers a rare of sea nymph swimming in the pool.
Said Shyamalan, "Since we met a few years ago, Alan and Jeff (Robinov, Warners' president of production) have gone out of their way to offer me the best on their studio slates time after time. I felt their personal connection to my movies. LADY IN THE WATER is a personal movie with a big idea, and it seems just perfect for Warner Bros. I'm thrilled they responded to the story, and we all can't wait to get started."
Production is set to begin in Philadelphia in August for a July 21, 2006, release.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
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