Split, the horror hit starring James McAvoy as a man with 23 personalities, is to receive a sequel.
The film, which has topped the US box office for its first three weeks of release, was a triumphant return to commercial and critical success for director M Night Shyamalan, whose last few films have opened to diminishing returns.
Writing on Twitter, Shyamalan heavily intimated that his next project would expand the Split universe.
I have an 11 page outline for my next film in my bag. I can't tell you what it is, but If you've seen #Split...
— M. Night Shyamalan (@MNightShyamalan) February 4, 2017
He had previously said that the film was conceived as a followup to 2000’s Unbreakable, his superhero thriller – the star of that film, Bruce Willis, cameos in Split.
Made on a budget of $9m, the film has currently taken $143m worldwide. However, its subject matter – McAvoy’s character has dissociative identity disorder (DID) – has led to some backlash from mental health campaigners.
Writing in the Hollywood Reporter last week, Dr Michelle Stevens, who has DID, accused Shyamalan of “becom[ing] my bully … with the release of your highly objectionable movie …. I am personally harmed by the grotesque stereotypes you perpetuate in Split.
“In the future, I’d appreciate it if you stopped using our pain and suffering as fodder for your entertainment.”
