Entertainment
Richard Kelly to publish 'Donnie Darko' sequel novel in late 2026
The 800-page book, titled "The Philosophy of Time Travel," sets up the filmmaker's broader pitch for future movie adaptations.
The short version
- Filmmaker Richard Kelly is releasing an 800-page sequel novel to his 2001 cult classic film "Donnie Darko" in the fourth quarter of 2026.
- Published by Range Literary Publishing, "The Philosophy of Time Travel" is set in 1988 during the 14 months immediately following the original film's ending.
- Kelly plans to use the novel as a foundation to pitch potential animated and live-action film sequels featuring the original cast, though no film productions are currently greenlit.
Key facts
- Richard Kelly authored the sequel novel "The Philosophy of Time Travel" over a ten-year period.[Variety]
- The novel will be published in Q4 2026 by Range Literary Publishing, marking the imprint's first original book release.[Variety · Variety]
- The story is written in a found-documents format, focusing on alternating accounts from Donnie Darko's parents in the 14 months following his death.[Variety]
- Range Literary Publishing secured a worldwide distribution deal with Ingram Content Group's Two Rivers arm.[Variety]
- Kelly envisions adapting the story into an animated or motion-capture movie, followed by a live-action film taking place 28 years in the future.[Variety]