PROVIDENCE – The State Properties Committee has given the green light for acclaimed director M. Night Shyamalan to film his next project in Rhode Island, a supernatural romantic thriller starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Phoebe Dynevor. The unanimous decision, made on April 15, 2025, allows Shyamalan's production company, Two Beacons Productions LLC, to lease the historic Cranston Street Armory starting May 1, 2025, with filming set to commence in June.
Executive Director of the Rhode Island Film & Television Office, Steven Feinberg, confirmed that the filmmaker will pay a nominal fee of $10,000 per month to use the armory, a structure that has stood for 118 years in Providence's West End. The lease agreement extends through the end of 2025, and the production company will also be responsible for covering any utilities incurred during their stay.
Feinberg expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, "We’re really excited to have the production here. We’re promoting Rhode Island to a worldwide audience." He emphasized that this film will have a more significant economic impact on the state compared to other recent productions, including HBO's drama series "The Gilded Age," which was primarily filmed on a soundstage in Long Island.
Shyamalan's film, which is reportedly working under the title "Remain," is set to create approximately 400 full-time jobs for crew members and around 2,000 positions for extras. Boston Casting and Rhode Island Casting will be scouting for local talent to fill these roles, showcasing the state's commitment to involving its residents in the production.
In addition to utilizing the armory, filming will take place at various locations throughout Rhode Island, although specific sites have yet to be disclosed. Feinberg noted that Shyamalan visited the state multiple times to explore potential filming spots, which he hopes will help establish Rhode Island as a go-to destination for filmmakers.
The collaboration between Shyamalan and renowned author Nicholas Sparks, known for his bestselling novel "The Notebook," adds another layer of intrigue to the project. While Shyamalan will independently write the screenplay, Sparks is set to pen a book related to the film's original love story. Sparks expressed his excitement about the partnership in a Facebook post, calling it a dream come true.
Feinberg has long sought to bring Shyamalan's work to Rhode Island, having previously attempted to secure the director for his 2024 psychological thriller "Trap." Although that project ultimately filmed in Hamilton, Ontario, Feinberg remains optimistic that Shyamalan's latest endeavor will encourage more filmmakers to explore the unique landscapes and talent available in the Ocean State.
"This is the best place to make a movie," Feinberg declared. "It’s the smallest state with the greatest backlot." However, he acknowledged challenges in maintaining a robust film industry in Rhode Island, particularly due to the $20 million cap on tax credits available to productions. This limitation has led to missed opportunities, as Feinberg noted, "I’ve turned away Academy Award winners, I’ve turned away TV series because we don’t have enough credits. We’d love to get that raised."
Despite these challenges, the state has seen an uptick in Hollywood interest in recent years. The Rhode Island State House recently served as a backdrop for the romantic drama "Ella McCay," which wrapped up production last summer and is expected to be released in September. Furthermore, the Cranston Street Armory was previously used for filming Disney's "Hocus Pocus 2" in 2021.
Governor Dan McKee commented on the positive impact of film productions on local businesses, stating, "Every time a production shoots here we see a positive impact on our local businesses. This is the type of energy that keeps moving our economy forward."
As Shyamalan's production gears up for filming, the excitement surrounding the project reflects a growing recognition of Rhode Island's potential as a filming location. With a combination of scenic backdrops, local talent, and a supportive film office, the state is poised to make its mark on the Hollywood landscape.
As the summer approaches, Rhode Island residents can look forward to the unique opportunity of witnessing a major film production unfold in their own backyard. With Shyamalan at the helm and a star-studded cast, the film promises to not only entertain but also to showcase the beauty and charm of the Ocean State.
