James McAvoy, who stars in the remake of Speak No Evil, revealed that he intentionally avoided watching the original Danish film before accepting his role, fearing it might influence his performance. The new version, directed by James Watkins, retains much of the original plot but diverges in tone, presenting a more suspenseful psychological thriller compared to the original's darker horror elements. McAvoy described the film's central couples as contrasting, with one representing a 'gray and depressing' love while the other embodies an idealized, joyful relationship, which creates intense tension during their interactions. Critics note that while the remake is less daring, it offers its own charms, particularly through McAvoy's compelling performance. The ending of the remake is also notably different, providing a conclusion more suited to its narrative style. McAvoy believes remaking films can introduce audiences to original stories they may not have seen otherwise.