M. Night Shyamalan's next film after the disastrous Lady in the Water, has gained a lead actor and a release date. The movie which is now been described as a "paranoia thriller" has Mark Wahlberg attached as it's lead and a release date of June 13th 2008, which just happens to fall on a Friday! Talk about bad omens for the director who must be at the lowest point of his career right now. The Happening revolves around a huge apocalyptic environmental crisis, as we keep polluting the air, nature decides to strike back and wipe us out. Relevant tale then, but hopefully one that won't become too political and contrived, which Shyamalan has certainly indulged himself with in the past. The director himself has revealed why he went after Wahlberg as his lead...
"Mark has a unique blend of charisma, humanity, authenticity and skillfulness as an actor...All of which coalesced at this moment in his career, making him the perfect person to take on the role of Elliot Moore, the science teacher at the center of this event."
Wahlbeg is a really good actor, but he's yet to prove himself as a real draw for audiences. Shooter's opening this weekend showed this (although some of that must be credited to 300's success) but he's growing and growing with each movie and if there is one Shyamalan does well... is that he gives his lead actor's a full stage to play with. June 2008? Really that close? This $57 million budgeted film is a huge risk from 20th Century Fox... it will be interesting to see if Wahlberg and Shyamalan call pull it off. source - coming soon