When you hear the name "M. Night Shyamalan," what's the first thing that pops into your head? Is it "unfulfilled potential?" How about "one-trick pony?" Oh, I know, "hack!"
I know I'm being a little harsh (very harsh). But following the runaway success of "The Sixth Sense" and "Unbreakable," it really appeared as if Shyamalan was going be the next great director in Hollywood. Unfortunately, his over reliance on twist endings and unchecked story indulgences quickly undid all the goodwill he had built up early in his career.
But maybe Shyamalan's new focus on smaller-scale projects will help him on the road to recovery. Last year's horror film "The Visit" was decently-received (and made nearly $100 million against a $5 million budget) and his FOX drama "Wayward Pines" will be airing a second season this summer. He's also currently in post-production on the intriguing "Split," starring James McAvoy.
Perhaps this come back continues, as Deadline Hollywood is reporting that Shyamalan will be rebooting "Tales from the Crypt" for TNT.
The move is "part of a bigger deal with TNT that will see the mood maestro program a two hour block of horror and suspense content once a week." "Tales from the Crypt" will be the centerpiece of this deal, with other long and short form content accompanying it.
Based on the original EC Comics by William Gaines, "Tales from the Crypt" became a cult classic for several seasons on HBO. Shyamalan will draw inspiration both from the source material and original ideas, with the show launching sometime this fall.
"This is a new genre for us in our series efforts and a great chance to partner with M Night Shyamalan, whose blockbuster hit The Visit reminded movie audiences and critics this past summer that he truly is a master of horror," Sara Aubrey, TNT's evp of original programming, said in a statement.
