the film was originally planned to be produced by touchstone pictures—just as shyamalan's previous four films were released by walt disney studios—but ultimately no deal was reached. disney executive nina jacobson had spoken with shyamalan about the film's storyline, the idea for which studio chairman dick cook didn't understand. shyamalan was reportedly angry about the response, claiming that disney "no longer valued individualism". despite the fact that disney was willing to completely fund the film regardless, shyamalan rejected their offer and eventually presented the project to warner bros., who agreed to finance the film. the events that led to the making of the film were featured in a book, "the man who heard voices", by michael bamberger.