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Unbreakable (film series)

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Unbreakable Trilogy
Directed byM. Night Shyamalan
Written byM. Night Shyamalan
StarringSee below
Production
company
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget
  • $75 million (Unbreakable)
  • $9 million (Split)

Total

  • $84 million
Box office
  • $248.1 million (Unbreakable)
  • $278.3 million (Split)

Total

  • $526.4 million

The Unbreakable film series, also referred to as the Eastrail 177 Trilogy,[1] is an American superhero thriller and psychological horror film series,[2] involving the derailment of the fictitious Eastrail #177 train. The films were written, produced, and directed by M. Night Shyamalan. The trilogy consists of Unbreakable (2000), Split (2016), and Glass (2019).

All of the films feature the character David Dunn, and multiple characters have a connection to the Eastrail 177 train disaster featured in the first movie. The series has been noted for its differences to more traditional superhero movies, with Shyamalan's work referred to as "the first auteur shared superhero universe". It is the first superhero franchise that is written and directed by one person, in comparison to other popular films in the genre.[3] Shyamalan has noted that while it is based on comic book superheroes, and refers to comic books, it is not actually derived from comic book material itself.[4] In contrast to most superhero films, the series is also generally grounded in reality,[5] and is seen as a deconstruction of the superhero genre.[6] The series is thus considered to be a unique take on the superhero genre.[7]

The filmmaker has stated that the films are origin stories, of people with unique gifts, with the intent being to acknowledge that every person has something special about them. Split has been called the first solo supervillain story.[8] Writers and fans also referred to the series as the "Eastrail 177 trilogy", because, as noted, all three main characters were connected to the train in some important way.[1]

Development

The series originated with the film Unbreakable, directed by Shyamalan and released in 2000. When M. Night Shyamalan conceived the idea for Unbreakable, the outline had a comic book's traditional three-part structure (the superhero's "birth", his struggles against general evil-doers, and the hero's ultimate battle against the "archenemy"). Finding the birth section most interesting, he decided to write Unbreakable as an origin story.[9] At the time, comic book themed superhero films were niche, so the film was marketed as a psychological thriller like Shyamalan's breakout film The Sixth Sense, rather than as a superhero film. According to Shyamalan, "I was on a conference call with the studio, and they were saying we can’t mention the word ‘comic books’ or ‘superheroes’ because it’s too fringe".[10]

Upon release in 2000, Bruce Willis revealed that Unbreakable was the first part of a planned trilogy.[11] Both Willis and Samuel L. Jackson pushed for a sequel or trilogy, with Willis stating "It's really built as a trilogy," but Shyamalan expressed uncertainty and said, "I can’t tell you anything about them." Whether the film had a sequel depended upon how it would perform at the box office.[12] While Unbreakable was a moderate box office success, grossing $248 million worldwide on a $75 million budget,[13] it performed below expectations, earning about a third of what The Sixth Sense grossed.[10] Unbreakable gained more popularity over time and subsequently developed a cult following,[14] as the audience for comic book superhero films grew over time.[10] Out of Shyamalan's career, some have referred to Unbreakable as his best work. In terms of superhero films, it was listed in Time's list of "Top 10 Superhero Films" of all time, ranked at number four.[15] Quentin Tarantino also included Unbreakable on his list of top 20 films released since 1992.[16]

The second film Split originated from the character of Kevin who had been in one of the early drafts of Unbreakable, but Shyamalan had pulled the character out, stating there were balancing issues at that time. With Split, he brought in some of the scenes he had written for Unbreakable around Kevin.[17] Split became a box office success, with over 2,000% return on investment (ROI), making it the most profitable film of 2017,[18] paving the way for a third film.[19] While the director Shyamalan himself has stated that he's usually not a fan of making sequels,[20] the two stars of the series, Bruce Willis and Samuel L. Jackson had asked him to consider making a sequel. Shyamalan has said he plans on a trilogy of three films, with the third film Glass planned to be release in 2019, but he may continue making more if the inspiration for writing the material is there.[20]

Films

Film U.S. release date Director Screenwriter Story by Producers Status
Unbreakable November 22, 2000 (2000-11-22) M. Night Shyamalan Barry Mendel, Sam Mercer & M. Night Shyamalan Released
Split September 26, 2016 (2016-09-26) M. Night Shyamalan, Jason Blum, & Marc Bienstock
Glass January 18, 2019 (2019-01-18) M. Night Shyamalan, Jason Blum & Marc Bienstock Post-production

Unbreakable (2000)

Main article: Unbreakable (film)

David Dunn is the sole survivor of a devastating train wreck. Elijah Price is a mysterious stranger who offers a bizarre explanation as to why David escaped without a single scratch, an explanation which threatens to change David's family and his life forever.

During filming for The Sixth Sense, M. Night Shyamalan approached Bruce Willis for the role of David Dunn. Sometime after, Samuel L. Jackson alongside Willis, were announced to be the two main leads of the film. Prior to the film's production, Jackson met with Willis discussing the script. Principal photography began April 25, 2000, and finished in June the same year.

Split (2016)

Main article: Split (2016 American film)

Kevin Wendell Crumb has evidenced 23 personalities to his trusted psychiatrist, Dr. Fletcher, although there remains one still submerged who is set to materialize and dominate all of the others. Compelled to abduct three teenage girls led by the willful, observant Casey, Kevin reaches a war for survival among all of those contained within him, as well as everyone around him, as the walls between his compartments shatter.

In October 2015, James McAvoy was cast as the film’s primary antagonist, Kevin Wendell Crumb, originally, Joaquin Phoenix was cast for the role. The same month, Anya Taylor-Joy, Betty Buckley, Jessica Sula and Haley Lu Richardson were cast in the film. Following cast announcements, Universal Pictures revealed the films title as Split. Principal photography began November 2015 and finished in June 2016.

Glass (2019)

Main article: Glass (2019 film)

Following the events of Split, security guard David Dunn uses his superstrength and supernatural abilities to track Kevin Wendell Crumb, a disturbed man who has 24 personalities.

Bruce Willis, Samuel L. Jackson, Spencer Treat Clark, Charlayne Woodard, James McAvoy and Anya Taylor-Joy are set to reprise their roles from Unbreakable and Split.[21] In July 2017, Sarah Paulson was cast as a new character.[22] In November, Adam David Thompson was cast in an undisclosed role.[23] Principal photography began October and finished in December 2017.[24]

Future

Although the series is currently[when?] slated as a trilogy, Shyamalan mentioned that he would be open to a continuation if the inspiration came to him.[20]

Themes

While the three movies are superhero films, in that unrealistic "super" powers are featured, Shyamalan notes that one of the main themes of the movies is that there are extraordinary powers in everyone.[20] He also notes that rather than being a "comic book movie" each of them is a movie about comic books.[20] While the movies are connected, each has a separate style. Unbreakable is a mystery film, regarding a man who is the sole survivor of a catastrophic train crash. Split is a horror movie, exploring the origin story of a supervillain, while Shyamalan has stated that Glass will be a different thematic feel as well.[20] Producer Jason Blum has referred to them as "superhero movies", noting that they are very different from Marvel Studios' films.[2]

Cast and crew

Cast

List indicator(s)
  • A dark grey cell indicates the character has not appeared in that medium.
  • A V indicates a voice-only role.
  • A Y indicates an appearance as a younger version of a pre-existing character.
  • A P indicates an appearance in onscreen photographs only.
  • A C indicates a cameo appearance.
Character Unbreakable Split Glass
2000 2016 2019
David Dunn
The Overseer 		Bruce Willis
Davis DuffieldY 		Bruce WillisC Bruce Willis
Elijah Price
Mr. Glass 		Samuel L. Jackson
Johnny Hiram JamisonY 		Mentioned Samuel L. Jackson
Kevin Wendell Crumb
The Horde 		James McAvoy
Joseph Dunn Spencer Treat Clark Spencer Treat Clark
Mrs. Price Charlayne Woodard Charlayne Woodard
Casey Cooke Anya Taylor-Joy
Izzie CoffeyY 		Anya Taylor-Joy
Audrey Dunn Robin Wright
Laura ReganY
Dr. Dubin Michael Kelly
Dr. Mathison Eamonn Walker
The Orange Man Chance Kelly
Stadium Drug Dealer / Jai M. Night ShyamalanC
Dr. Karen Fletcher Betty Buckley
Claire Haley Lu Richardson
Marcia Jessica Sula
John Cooke Brad William Henke
Mr. Cooke Sebastian Arcelus
Mrs. Crumb Rosemary HowardC
Dr. Ellie Staple Sarah Paulson
TBA Adam David Thompson

Additional crew and production details

Film Composer(s) Editor Cinematographer Production
companies 		Distributing
companies 		Running time
Unbreakable James Newton Howard Dylan Tichenor Eduardo Serra Touchstone Pictures
Blinding Edge Pictures
Barry Mendel Productions
Limited Edition Productions, Inc. 		Buena Vista Pictures 106 minutes
Split West Dylan Thordson Luke Franco Ciarrocchi Mike Gioulakis Blinding Edge Pictures
Blumhouse Productions 		Universal Pictures 117 minutes
Glass Joseph Castaliano Touchstone Pictures
Blinding Edge Pictures
Blumhouse Productions 		Universal Pictures
Buena Vista International 		TBA

Reception

Box office reception

Unbreakable was a moderate box office success, grossing $248.1 million in ticket sales on a $75 million budget,[13] but there was minimal profit and it performed below expectations, earning about a third of what The Sixth Sense grossed.[10] Unbreakable underperformed at the box office due to several reasons, primarily because many people expected it to be a similar film to Shyamalan's smash success psychological horror film, The Sixth Sense, which it was not.

Split grossed $278 million against a $9 million budget, becoming a surprise box office success.[25] Split became a box office success, with over 2,000% return on investment (ROI), making it the most profitable film of 2017 and the 11th most profitable film of all time.[18]

Film U.S. release date Budget US gross International gross Worldwide gross
Unbreakable November 22, 2000 $75 million $95 million $153.1 million $248.1 million
Split January 20, 2017 $9 million $138.1 million $140.2 million $278.3 million
Total $84 million $233.1 million $293.3 million $526.4 million

Critical response

Film Rotten Tomatoes Metacritic CinemaScore
Unbreakable 69% (163 reviews)[26] 62 (31 reviews)[27] C [28]
Split 76% (256 reviews)[29] 62 (47 reviews)[30] B+[28][31]
Average 73% 62 B-

Accolades

Film Award Category Recipients Result References
Unbreakable Saturn Award Best Action/Adventure/Thriller Film Nominated [32]
Black Reel Award Best Film Poster Nominated [citation needed]
Golden Trailer Award Best Horror/Thriller Film Won [33]
Blockbuster Entertainment Awards Favorite Actor - Suspense Bruce Willis Nominated [34]
Samuel L. Jackson Nominated
Favorite Supporting Actor - Suspense Spencer Treat Clark Nominated
Favorite Supporting Actress - Suspense Robin Wright Nominated
Bram Stoker Award Best Screenplay M. Night Shayamalan Nominated [citation needed]
Nebula Award Best Script Nominated [35]
International Horror Guild Award Best Film Nominated [36]
Split London Film Critics' Circle Young British/Irish Performer of the Year Anya Taylor-Joy (also for Morgan and The Witch) Nominated [37]
MTV Movie & TV Awards Best Actor in a Movie James McAvoy Nominated
Saturn Awards Best Thriller Film Nominated [38]
Best Supporting Actress Betty Buckley Nominated

References

  1. ^ a b Cox, James "Details emerge about the sequel to Split, 'Glass'", Buzz, April 27, 2018
    - Busch, Caitlin, "Samuel L. Jackson Has Finished the 'Split' Sequel, But It's Not Over Yet", Inverse, November 20, 2017
    - Murray, Emily "Split Sequel Footage Debuts At CinemaCon", Unilad (no date)
    - "Toni Collette wont be popping up in M Night Shyalamans Glass Movie Exclusive", Yahoo Movie News [dead link]
  2. ^ a b McCreesh, Louise (14 September 2017). "Split and Unbreakable sequel Glass Is a "superhero movie", confirms producer Jason Blum – But what does this mean in terms of plot?". digitalspy.com. Digital Spy. Retrieved November 18, 2017.
  3. ^ McMillan, Graeme (April 26, 2017). "Glass M Night Shyamalans Split Unbreakable Sequel Could Redefine Superheroes". hollywoodreporter.com. The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved November 18, 2017.
  4. ^ Elderkin, Beth (September 22, 2017). "Unbreakable and Split Stars Will Return for M Night Shyamalans Superhero Sequel, Glass". gizmodo/com.au. Gizmodo. Retrieved November 18, 2017.
  5. ^ "Glass Is Setting Itself Up As An Anti-MCU". Screen Rant. July 21, 2018.
  6. ^ "'Glass' Looks Like M. Night Shyamalan's Most Complex Film Yet". The Hollywood Reporter. July 21, 2018.
  7. ^ Placido, Dani Di (July 21, 2018). "M. Night Shyamalan's Cinematic Universe Is Truly Unique". Forbes.
  8. ^ Francisco, Eric (January 23, 2017). "Split Twist Ending M Night Shyamalan God Damn Unbreakable is Back". Inverse. Retrieved November 18, 2017.
  9. ^ M. Night Shyamalan, Bruce Willis, Samuel L. Jackson, Barry Mendel, Sam Mercer, Eduardo Serra, James Newton Howard, The Making of Unbreakable, 2001, Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
  10. ^ a b c d "'Glass' Is the Movie M. Night Shyamalan Wanted to Make For Comics Fans". Wired. July 20, 2018.
  11. ^ "UNBREAKABLE is part one of a planned trilogy!!!". Ain't It Cool News. November 23, 2000.
  12. ^ "M. Night Shyamalan's Unbreakable". Entertainment Weekly. December 1, 2000.
  13. ^ a b "Unbreakable". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved December 18, 2008.
  14. ^ "Unbreakable - An Oral History". Entertainment Weekly. July 10, 2015. Retrieved October 14, 2015.
  15. ^ Cruz, Gilbert (June 3, 2011). "Top 10 Superhero Movies: 4. Unbreakable (2000)". Time. Retrieved August 17, 2011.
  16. ^ "Tarantino's Top 20 Movies Since 1992". Spike (TV channel). Archived from the original on August 20, 2009. Retrieved 2009-08-17. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  17. ^ Couch, Aaron (January 22, 2017). "'Split': M. Night Shyamalan Explains an Ending Years in the Making". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved January 22, 2017.
  18. ^ a b "Movie Budgets, Most Expensive Movies, Most Profitable Movies, Biggest Money-Losing Movies". The Numbers. Retrieved July 27, 2018.
  19. ^ "Will M. Night Shyamalan Cement His Comeback With 'Glass'?". The New York Observer. July 24, 2018.
  20. ^ a b c d e f Fletcher, Rosie (January 20, 2017). "M Night Shyamalan Unbreakable 2 Split Universe – Is It Going to be a Trilogy?". Digital Spy. Retrieved November 18, 2017.
  21. ^ "M. Night Shyamalan's 'Glass' Adds 'Unbreakable' Actors (Exclusive)". hollywoodreporter. September 21, 2017.
  22. ^ "Sarah Paulson Joins M. Night Shyamalan Thriller 'Glass'". hollywoodreporter. July 24, 2017.
  23. ^ "Adam David Thompson Joins the Cast of M. Night Shyamalan's 'Glass'". bloody-disgusting. November 30, 2017.
  24. ^ "M. Night Shyamalan's Glass Starts Production". Screen Rant. October 2, 2017.
    - "M. Night Shyamalan's Glass Wraps Filming". Screen Rant. December 4, 2017.
  25. ^ McNary, Dave (April 26, 2017). "M Night Shyamalan Glass Split Unbreakable Sequel". Variety. Retrieved November 19, 2017.
  26. ^ "Unbreakable (2000)". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango. Retrieved July 22, 2018.
  27. ^ "Unbreakable (2000)". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Retrieved November 18, 2017.
  28. ^ a b "CinemaScore". CinemaScore. Retrieved November 9, 2018.
  29. ^ "Split (2017)". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango. Retrieved July 22, 2018.
  30. ^ "Split Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Retrieved November 18, 2017.
  31. ^ CinemaScore (January 20, 2017). "Split". Retrieved November 18, 2017 – via Twitter.
  32. ^ "Sci-fi Noms". ABC News. February 1, 2002. Retrieved November 6, 2017.
  33. ^ "GTA2 Nominees (2001)". Golden Trailer. Golden Trailer Awards. Retrieved November 6, 2017.
  34. ^ "Nominees Announced for 'Sixth Annual Blockbuster Entertainment Awards(R)' To Air in June on FOX". PR Newswire. February 8, 2000. Archived from the original on 2014-01-12. Retrieved November 9, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  35. ^ "Nebula Awards Nominees and Winners: Best Script". nebulas.sfwa.org. Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. Retrieved November 18, 2017.
  36. ^ "IHG Award Recipients". horroraward.org. International Horror Guild. Retrieved November 18, 2017.
  37. ^ Lodge, Guy (December 20, 2016). "'Moonlight' and 'Love and Friendship' Lead London Film Critics' Circle Nominations". Variety. Variety. Retrieved December 20, 2016.
  38. ^ McNary, Dave (March 2, 2017). "Saturn Awards Nominations 2017: 'Rogue One,' 'Walking Dead' Lead". Variety. Retrieved March 3, 2017.
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