Richard Kelly returns to Donnie Darko with a sequel book arriving in 2026
Richard Kelly is bringing Donnie Darko back — just not the way you expect.
Clocking in at 800 pages, Richard Kelly’s sequel to Donnie Darko is a novel titled The Philosophy of Time Travel and picks up in 1988 immediately after Donnie’s fate in the film. Kelly wrote it over the last decade, and it will be the first release from Range Literary Publishing, timed to the movie ’s 25th anniversary on October 26.
The 800-page sequel novel The Philosophy of Time Travel is slated for Q4 2026; preorders are live at Barnes & Noble and Amazon.
According to Kelly’s interview with Variety, the book is step one in a bigger plan. He aims to adapt this new story as an animated/motion-capture film covering the immediate aftermath, then jump ahead to a live-action feature set 28 years later — a window that could line up with the original cast’s real ages if they return.
From page to screen
The narrative spans the fourteen months after Donnie’s death before a 28-year time leap to around 2015–2016, where Kelly says the next wave of story kicks in. He told Variety the early section is envisioned for animation, with the long jump opening the door to bring actors back “in the flesh” if it all comes together.
- Book — The Philosophy of Time Travel; 800 pages; set right after the film in 1988.
- Release — Q4 2026 to coincide with Donnie Darko’s 25th anniversary on October 26; exact on-sale date to follow.
- Preorders — Available now at Barnes & Noble and Amazon.
- Screen plan — Animated/mocap adaptation of the early chapters, then a live-action sequel after the 28-year jump.
Kelly’s 2001 film — a mix of teen angst, dark humor, and head-trip sci‑fi anchored by Jake Gyllenhaal — barely made a dent in theaters but grew into a cult landmark. The new novel shares its title with the in-universe time-travel text from the movie, now expanded into a full continuation of the story world.
The Philosophy of Time Travel is the debut title from Range Literary Publishing. A firm date for the novel’s U.S. release will be announced in the coming months.