Mark Wahlberg to Star in Next Shyamalan Movie, 'The Happening'

Mark Wahlberg has signed a deal to star in M. Night Syamalan's next film, 'The Happening.'

20^th Century Fox has set the worldwide release for the thriller on Friday the 13^th June 2008. M. Night Shyamalan will direct the film starting in August in Philadelphia.

"Friday the 13th has very distinctive, global connotations, which make it the ideal launching pad for this frightening thriller," said Bruce Snyder, president of domestic distribution, 20th Century Fox.

Wahlberg will play a father in the film who must protect his family during an apolalyptic threat to humanity. His character, a science teacher, will have to flee with his family when an apocalyptic force threatens humanity. Shyamalan wrote the original screenplay.

'The Happening' will be co-financed by 20^th Century Fox and India's UTV. Fox is distributing the film worldwide, except in India, which will be released by UTV. UTV is committing 50 percent of the film's $57 million budget.

After making the deal with 20^th Century Fox on the picture, Shyamalan brought back his "Unbreakable" and "Sixth Sense" producer Barry Mendel to produce along with Sam Mercer.

Shyamalan had already been trying to get Mark Wahlberg signed for the film when he first made his deal with 20^th Century Fox.

"Mark has a unique blend of charisma, humanity, authenticity and skillfulness as an actor," said Shyamalan. "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."

The announcement for 'The Happening' comes just eight months after the release of Shyamalan's much-criticized 'Lady in the Water,' and has Shyamalan hoping for a bounce back with his newest film.

Shyamalan has a celebrated portfolio of films, with such titles as 'The Sixth Sense,' 'Unbreakable,' and 'Signs.' His films have grossed more than $1.5 billion worldwide.

Shyamalan parted ways with studio partner Buena Vista before the release of 'Lady in the Water,' opting to release his film through Warner Bros. instead.