Writer of Graphic Novel That Inspired M. Night Shyamalan’s Old Has Two Sequel Ideas

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Writer of Graphic Novel That Inspired M. Night Shyamalan's Old Has Two Sequel Ideas

As a seasoned reader of French comic books and a devoted fan of genre cinema, I can wholeheartedly say that the influence of these graphic novels is nothing short of extraordinary. In less than a decade, two such works – Le Transperceneige and Sandcastle – have spawned not one, but two exceptional films: Bong Joon-Ho’s Snowpiercer and M. Night Shyamalan’s Old (now available on Peacock). The latter, based on the graphic novel Sandcastle by Pierre Oscar Lévy and Frederick Peeters, has left me with a tantalizing taste for more.

Don’t underestimate the impact of French comic books; within just a few years, two graphic novels from France – Le Transperceneige and Sandcastle – have spawned a remarkable duo of genre films. These are Bong Joon-Ho’s Snowpiercer (available on TNT) and M. Night Shyamalan’s Old, now streaming on Peacock. With strong responses to both, there’s a possibility that more series or adaptations could emerge if audience interest remains high for each title.

In an interview with SYFY Wire, Pierre Oscar Lévy, the author of Sandcastle, shares that he has not one but two sequel concepts in mind, both set within the time-warped beach. He mentions, “I’ve had a sequel drafted for some time now, which unfolds 40 years after Sandcastle, and a third installment that delves even deeper into the story following that.” He playfully hints at these plans.

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Did You Know M. Night Shyamalan’s Old is Based on a Graphic Novel?

Instead of concluding with a clear resolution as in the movie version, the Sandcastle graphic novel (created by Frederick Peeters) leaves room for interpretation, yet Levy hints at a definitive explanation being available.

As a lifelong fan of mysteries and intriguing narratives, I find myself deeply captivated by the enigmatic world that unfolds within “Sandcastle.” The creator’s assertion that every event in the comic has a precise explanation resonates with my own desire for understanding and clarity.

Additional Insights into the Cinematic Universe of M. Night Shyamalan

Drawing inspiration from an annual visit to a beach in Asturias, Spain, reminiscent of Lévy’s, the original idea for Sandcastle was born as a screenplay I aspired to direct in the ’80s, the author confessed. This underscores the lengthy, challenging, and romantic journey its story has taken – one that fills me with joy knowing Fred brought it to life through illustrations, and M. Night Shyamalan adapted it.

Regarding Peeters’ artwork, he mentioned that he found my story ideal for exploring the concept of character aging. He expressed his intention to delve into this theme at the time, and he felt my tale was suitable. This was a fresh endeavor for him in his artistic journey. He executed his vision exceptionally well, and I believe that while writing it, I visualized the same details he later depicted in his art.

Writer of Graphic Novel That Inspired M. Night Shyamalan's Old Has Two Sequel Ideas

Lévy, an ardent documentarian with a keen interest in climate change and environmental preservation, refers to the graphic novel as a “stealth messenger,” carrying a grim message that there’s still time for unity if we want to protect our planet.

“That it is urgent to act in order to respect our Mother Earth,” he explains. The concept of rapid aging and death is meant to reflect the “present acceleration of biodiversity’s destruction” that stems from our greedy mistreatment of the planet and its natural resources. 

As a gamer, I penned “Sandcastle” to jolt readers and spark curiosity within them. My intention was to offer an unusual narrative that they’d savor. The tale revolves around the realization that we, as advanced primates, are temporary inhabitants of this planet. Regrettably, we’re often invasive, destructive, parasitic, and careless species.

Levy hasn’t watched the completed film yet, but he points out that the trailer includes some elements not found in the graphic novel. Despite this discrepancy, he’s thrilled at the idea of another artist bringing a fresh perspective to his environmental allegory.

After completing a film I’ve directed, I have a sense that it no longer belongs solely to me. The viewers add their own interpretations to the movie, often more than what I initially put into it. This is something I believe M. Night Shyamalan, whom I had only spoken to on the phone, also saw in our work – something beyond what we intended. It feels right to me that he should have full creative freedom to develop this story, which serves as a metaphor, according to his own unique vision.

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2024-08-05 17:31