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The Happening

The Happening is a 2008 American science fiction thriller film written, directed, and produced by M.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Happening is a 2008 American science fiction thriller film written, directed, and produced by M. Night Shyamalan. It stars Mark Wahlberg, Zooey Deschanel, John Leguizamo, and Betty Buckley, and follows people fleeing an unexplained disaster that causes mass suicides. The film premiered in New York City on June 10, 2008, and was released theatrically in the United States on June 13, 2008.

Plot

The story follows a group of people trying to survive a mysterious disaster that spreads across the northeastern United States. The cause is initially unclear, and the film presents the event as an invisible threat linked to widespread suicides.

Production and release

M. Night Shyamalan wrote, directed, and produced the film. It premiered in New York City on June 10, 2008, and received its U.S. theatrical release three days later. 20th Century Fox distributed the film in the United States.

Cast

The principal cast features Mark Wahlberg as Elliot Moore, Zooey Deschanel as Alma, John Leguizamo as Julian, and Betty Buckley in a supporting role. IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes also list Ashlyn Sanchez among the credited performers.

Reception and box office

The film earned approximately $163 million worldwide, making it a commercial success despite mixed-to-negative critical reception noted in later reference listings. Its reported production budget was up to $60 million.

Key facts

  • The film is a 2008 American science fiction thriller written, directed, and produced by M. Night Shyamalan.
  • Its plot centres on an unexplained phenomenon causing people to die by suicide.
  • The main cast includes Mark Wahlberg, Zooey Deschanel, John Leguizamo, and Betty Buckley.
  • The film grossed about $163 million worldwide against a reported budget of up to $60 million.
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Canadian context

The film was released internationally and is widely available to Canadian audiences through standard film distribution and home media channels; no uniquely Canadian production element is indicated in the provided sources.

Frequently asked questions

What is The Happening?
The Happening is a 2008 American science fiction thriller film written, directed, and produced by M. Night Shyamalan.
Who stars in The Happening?
The main cast includes Mark Wahlberg, Zooey Deschanel, John Leguizamo, and Betty Buckley.
What is The Happening about?
It follows people fleeing an unexplained disaster that causes mass suicides.
When was The Happening released?
It premiered on June 10, 2008, and was released in U.S. theatres on June 13, 2008.
How successful was The Happening at the box office?
It grossed about $163 million worldwide against a reported budget of up to $60 million.
Who distributed The Happening in the United States?
20th Century Fox distributed the film in the United States.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Happening_(2008_film)
    Supports: Core identification, genre, cast, premiere date, U.S. release date, and worldwide box office
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0949731/
    Supports: Runtime, rating, cast, and release date
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0949731/plotsummary/
    Supports: Plot summary
  4. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/10007985-happening
    Supports: Synopsis, distributor, rating, release date, and genre