Article by Alexandra Gambardella
“Harry Potter” did it for wizards, “Lord of the Rings” won big for hobbits, and “Narnia” brought it home for the talking woodland creatures. But can a soon-to-shoot movie similarly turn the creaky film cliché of vampires into the next multimillion-dollar fantasy flick franchise?
“The movie is called ‘Twilight,’” 17-year-old “Into the Wild” actress Kristen Stewart beamed when we recently spoke to her. “['Lords of Dogtown' filmmaker] Catherine Hardwicke is directing it in Washington. It’s based on a book that’s pretty popular [among] young adult, high school kids.”
Although Stewart and co-star Robert Pattinson (Cedric Diggory!) will soon film only the first movie, they’re already talking about turning the vampire storyline into a series that really sucks. And since the latest book sold over 150,000 copies in its first day alone, Bella and Edward fans everywhere are already counting down the months until the film’s release.
“People really love these books,” said Stewart. “Right now it’s a trilogy, and a fourth book is coming out, so hopefully we’ll get to shoot all four.”
For those who haven’t yet been bitten, “Twilight” will feature Stewart as Bella Swan, a teenage girl whose life gets turned upside-down after she meets and falls in love with a vampire. Additional names will be cast in the next few weeks, but according to the actress, 21-year-old Pattinson is already sinking his teeth into the role of Edward.
“He’s so good and he’s so soulful and he’s just not a liar — you can feel pain from him,” Stewart cooed. “The cool thing about the story is that it’s a seemingly wonderful fantasy — let’s fall in love with vampires and live forever — but it’s so much harder than that. Imagine living forever. Living one life is hard enough.”
But don’t get fooled into thinking this is going to be “The Notebook” for the undead. “The main character is like, superhuman,” Stewart said of the action scenes in the script. “He’s a vampire, but with really [heightened powers]; he can run faster than a car can drive, and he’s super strong. He throws me over his back [in one scene], right before he’s going to tell me that he’s a vampire, and then he runs over the treetops. And we’re going to be in real treetops; we’re not just going to CGI it. We actually get to go up there, and that’s what I’m stoked on.”
“It’s a pretty triumphant love story,” Stewart concluded, looking forward to stepping in front of the cameras. “It’s gonna take a while, and it [deserves to be] at least a series of three.”
UPDATE (2.28.08): ‘Twilight’ Co-Star Rachelle Lefevre Talks Treetop Controversy!
February 4th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
Kristin will have a real challenge in playing Bella to satisfy fans. One of the strengths of the book series is that the characters are so strongly drawn. Good luck… there are a LOT of people waiting to see how it turns out!
February 4th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
OMG!!!!!!!!! IM SO GLAD ABOUT THE THINGS SHE SAID!! SHE REALLY IS IN HER ROLE OF TWILIGHT!!! AND SHE AND ROBERT MAKE A GREAT COUPLE!! REALLY I MEAN FOR THE MOVIE!! I CANT WAIT TO SEE IT!!! AND THIS ARTICLE SAYS THAT THE CAST WILL BE ANNOUNCED FOR THE NEXT COUPLE OF WEEKS!!! OMG I CANT WAIT!!!
February 4th, 2008 at 5:28 pm
OMG!! A series!!! Thats even better than a movie!! I CANT WAIT!!!! :]]]]
February 4th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
Well it sounds like she’s excited which is good and she and Robert seem good together. But why on earth are they gonna be running on TOP of the trees?!? WTF? Thats not how the book goes. And this happens before he tell her about being a vampire? Does that mean they’re cutting the Port Angeles car scene?! Oh no! I’m getting worried about how much they’re gonna change the script!
February 4th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
I’m so happy she’s enthusiastic, and I’m loving the things she’s saying about Edward…oops, Robert! But noe I’m wondering where the ‘over the tree tops’ bit is?!
February 4th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
Running on tree tops what the flip?
They can so not cut out the Port Angeles scene
it’s like one of the major scenes
Oh no how much are they going to change!
:*(
February 4th, 2008 at 6:07 pm
I am so excited for this movie. It seems to me like Kristen really “gets” it - she really understands the story, and doesn’t think it’s just some teen chick flick.
I also understand that some things have to be changed when a novel gets turned into a movie. I mean, come on, guys - as much as we wish they would, the directors can’t keep everything the same. So even though the “over the treetops” scene wasn’t in the book (I’m guessing it’ll be the part right after the meadow scene), I still really want to see it.
February 4th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
im reaaallly afraid that they r going to butcher the books! i would never want people who hav never read the book watch the movie and be like ‘ew that was a crappy movie! y would we wanna read the book?’ i think that they casted edward PERFECTLY tho! i was worried most about the casting of edward but robert will be PERFECT! bella too! i CANNOT wait until breaking dawn comes out!
February 4th, 2008 at 6:15 pm
On top of trees? I am not the only one who noticed. I am, and have been, worried about how they are going to change the plot. Its so great, I dont think they will be able to make it perfect, but they can try!
~melissa
February 4th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
YAY! I’m super excited =D
I’m really glad that Kristen is in her “Bella” shoes. Ohh, what she said about Robert made me even more excited. “You can see the pain” awwwww. oh man. So, he tells her in the treetops. I read that in one of the script sides, so it seems they are sticking to it. =]
Wooo. This is going to be one of the best movies ever. I can hardly wait. =]
February 4th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
it’s not a movie ABOUT the book
it’s a movie BASED on the book
pleaaase don’t start complaining people
but cheers to Kristen Stewart
i’m so happy they’re starting to talk about it
i want to hear what robert has to say
and they’re going to announce the rest of the cast soon!
woooooo!
February 4th, 2008 at 6:22 pm
hmm “runs over the treetops”? sounds pretty interesting hahaha
im not afraid of them changing the book that much
obviously they have to take somethings out of it like maybe port angeles to get an 1 and half movie
i mean they are taking a 498 page book and making it into a movie
ill be happy as long as they don’t change the main plot of it
February 4th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
Yay! Ah, the excitement. I’m starting to get VERY hyped up about the movie.
And yeah, honestly, people. It’s based on the book, it’s not supposed to BE the book. I’m pretty sure it won’t be nearly as messed up as the Blood and Chocolate movie. *laughs*
February 4th, 2008 at 6:32 pm
SQUEE! She makes Pattinson sound so *dreamy*
I really do like her for Bella - nail it, girl!
February 4th, 2008 at 6:34 pm
i’m really excited about the movie, and they seem perfect to be playing the parts.
i’m confused about “running on treetops” though.
that was not in the book.
and i’ll be really dissapointed if the take the car scene out.
February 4th, 2008 at 6:34 pm
Ok, I just have to say that the thought of Edward throwing Bella on his back and running across the tree tops DOES NOT in any way, shape, nor form, give me any hope that this movie is going to do the books justice. It sounds like some kind of cross between “The Hulk” or something. Gahhhh! >.
February 4th, 2008 at 6:42 pm
Hmm… The treetops thing sounds kind of cool; things like that don’t change the main plot of the book. But he TELLS her he’s a vampire? Where is Jacob? Maybe she meant a Port Angeles-esque scene, where she already knows and it’s just the first time he admits it?
February 4th, 2008 at 6:50 pm
Aw, she and Robert are going to make a wicked team! I’m SO excited!
But she doesn’t do the fans justice–we are seriously rabid! haha
February 4th, 2008 at 6:54 pm
WOW….My friends and i are sooo excited….we can’t wait….we are confused about the tree tops thing but they can’t follow the book exactly or it would be too long…..i just hope they do the book justice or they will have some extremely angry teens and young adults on their tails!
February 4th, 2008 at 6:57 pm
Thank you very much for sharing this interview with for us hardcore Twilight fans! Kristen sounds very enthused about her work, which is just wonderful! Her description of Robert sounds great for Edward, hopefully he will be portrayed rightfully. Though the fanbase isn’t just high school/young adult girls. There are TONS of people over the age of 18 interested in the Twilight books. And it would have been nice to mention Stephenie Meyer, the author in this blog. For those who would like to read the book, Stephenie is a main key in the love and fandom.
February 4th, 2008 at 7:00 pm
I love the actors they cast but I really really REALLY hope they don’t do a series. that’ll ruin everything. It should stay simple and true to the book. If people like the story so much they can go get the book and read it.
I’m not so sure about being above the treetops either…I loved how Bella was scared of him running just past their trunks and having them flash past her.
February 4th, 2008 at 7:06 pm
NOOOOOO!!!!!!! why are they running on top of the trees? Edward can’t fly! he is just fast. they better not mess this wonderful book up. i would say that the film company would never be the same if they did. they should have had stephenie meyer write the script. glad that she is excited to play the part though. Hopefully she has read the book.
February 4th, 2008 at 7:08 pm
just by changing the way bella finds out edward is a vampire is gonna make it change a lot!
how is jacob gonna be involved if edward is gonna be the one to tell bella? grrr!!!
February 4th, 2008 at 7:12 pm
I think Stewart and Pattison will be amazing as Bella and Edward. I can’t wait to see the movie! I hope it can live up to the book, but I’m pretty confident. The director and actors seem perfect.
February 4th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
I’m really excited that they are making a movie off the series Twilight but stay with the book. Edward can’t run on top of trees, where is Jacob gonna come in now. Stay with the book.
February 4th, 2008 at 7:40 pm
I think I’m hating the idea of this book being made into a movie already, if they insist on changing the story line, even if it doesn’t seem significant. What’s wrong with leaving Edward on the ground and not flying on top of trees! PLEASE, PLEASE don’t ruin this for all of us who love the books just the way they are…Did Catherine Hardwicke not read the series? They are perfect just the way they are. So many wonderful books are ruined by the awful movies made from them. I really hope this doesn’t happen to Twilight. It would break my heart!
February 4th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
I’m VERY excited for this movie. I believe that Kristen Stewart is a perfect fit for Bella and Robert Pattinson is a fantastic choice for Edward (I LOVE that he read all three books!) Actually, I’m glad to see that Kristen and Robert are taking this series to heart, I really appreciate their effort and I believe that it will truly pay off in the end. And even IF the movie doesn’t perfectly match the book’s storyline, I think this interpretation will be interesting to see! GOOD LUCK WITH EVERYTHING!
February 4th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
I LOVE the actors and I can’t wait till the movie but I hope they stick with the book. I hope they do the whole series but they have to stick with the actual storyline. The books are perfect just the way they are.
February 4th, 2008 at 7:57 pm
here she says…
“He throws me over his back [in one scene], right before he’s going to tell me that he’s a vampire, and then he runs over the treetops.”
dosent that interfere with teh plot line of the book?
do you think thats just his super fastness or do you think they are actually putting things in there that arn’t in the book?
and besides in the book isn’t it in the car she FIGURES out hes a vampire then they go on a date where she first hikes to the medow then they talk and he’s dreamy with liquid topaz eyes,
THEN he CARRIES her on his back back to the car
and they go home?
tat means that they arn’t sticking to the plot line of the book, oh well i might be looking into it a little to much…
February 4th, 2008 at 7:57 pm
i really hope they dont make edward fly but i would like the movive to be more than just one i also hope they stick to the book becauese they are going to have a lot of angry fans if they dont
February 4th, 2008 at 8:01 pm
The changes about the tree tops are a fun, cinematic way to show off Edward’s strengths. And I do hope the actors have an awesome time.
I’m really heartened to hear that the two are really taking this and making it something special. Congratulations to them both and hope to hear more from them about their journey through Twilight.
The way Bell a figures out that Edward is a vampire shows the little things we love about her–her intelligence, nervouseness and then her complete dedication to her decision that it does not matter what he is–she’s already in love. And then the entire car scene–Theory–is completely one of my favorite scenes. It sends you on this emotional rollercoaster that reminds me of when I was on a first date/car ride with someone I was infatuated with.
February 4th, 2008 at 8:13 pm
omg they are really good for the part, but I still think Alexis Bledel would have been better, because of ALMOST all Alexis Bledel movies, she’s played a very shy girl…teenager…but for the most part they did an ok job…i just really hope they stick to the line of the books, because if they don’t its going to ruin it for everybody!!!
February 4th, 2008 at 8:15 pm
This is making me really nervous. This book is my abosolute favortie. Please please please don’t go and completely ruin it for me. I’m really happy with the choice of actors, but I really hope the director doesn’t go and make up her own version of the book. Edward on tree tops? He’s not Clark Kent. I just hope that the jacob scene stays in. Ughh. —end rant.
February 4th, 2008 at 8:18 pm
this is so dumb, the movies are going to RUIN the books for everyone. the actors arn’t right. the plot isn’t right. nothing’s right. no one can or should even try to show what stephanie meyer tryed to portray in her books, bcuz no one will get it right.
February 4th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
OMG. we get to see the cast in a FEW weeks. thats pretty cool. and im glad that the actors are really stoked and that they’re getting into the characters.
February 4th, 2008 at 8:21 pm
I am super glad that the actors are getting into the characters and how they’re enjoying it. Im super stoked for the outcome. Kristen seems to be excited about the movie. yippy!!!
February 4th, 2008 at 8:23 pm
Wow, everyone seems to be freaking out about this tree thing! I don’t think Edward’s running through treetops is that big of a deal…Probably the director thought it would be more exciting for Edward to run across tree branches than on the ground. Perhaps cinematically it makes more sense, because then they could have shots of the sky, and then the whole sensation of flying would be analogous to falling in love, and all that.
In regard to how Bella finds out about Edward being a vampire, this new information doesn’t change the story. Possibly Edward is corroborating Jacob’s story and Bella’s conclusion in this scene. Instead of just telling her outright “I’m a vampire,” he shows her by running through trees. Really, I don’t think they can mess up this story that badly. They’re just going to jazz up the action sequences and, most likely, heat up the love sequences.
February 4th, 2008 at 8:27 pm
I’m not sure that she really meant running through the tree tops. You know how some times you say something one way, but it comes out sounding like another. Maybe she meant that they were running through the trees, like on the way to the meadow. Still, that thought that Edward tells her that he’s a vampire, not Jake or her finding out during their day will bother me. I hope that they stay as close to the book as possible.
As for the actors, I honestly don’t mind. I think that they both will do a great job.
February 4th, 2008 at 8:31 pm
Okay.. just wondering.. but wtf?
Did they like, totally cut the port angeles scene out or something? Because she finds out in the car on the way back form port angeles.
that’s a critical scene!
they definately can’t cut that scene.. if they did..
grrr.
haha.
i’m not going to say anything just yet - i’ll wait and watch the movie.
but it SOUNDS like they’re just going from jacob’s story to edward taking bella to the meadow…
hmm.
i don’t know.
i guess i’ll wait and find out!
February 4th, 2008 at 8:33 pm
nope barbara you r right. there is no treetop scene therefore they arent sticking with the plot, they’re adding stuff which makes it a lie to ppl who will see the movie and then read the book. i agree, stephenie meyer shouldve wrote the plot line, at least we wouldnt be dissapointed. & jacob is when bella realizes he’s a vamp & he needs to be in there so we know him for the sequels. arghhhh this movie was a bad idea afterall & im just seeing it!
February 4th, 2008 at 8:33 pm
I agree. Edward Cullen does not run ontop of treetops! Only on ground! he is EDWARD CULLEN not superman. well anyways, Im super excited for the movie! I cant wait to see the movie in the big screen. ahhh. Just by thinking about it makes me so happy :]
I really hope they keep the important parts in the movie. the scene in the meadow is a MUST in the movie. If they dont have it, I will be very very heart broken. That was when Edward gives Bella her first kiss. ahhh. I can just imagine it…
Well I wish Robert and Kristen the best luck!
February 4th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
I have my doubts about the movie but hopefully they won’t do anything too bad to mess up the storyline, like giving the vampires FANGS.
February 4th, 2008 at 8:37 pm
I love the book, but everybody just needs to chill. I have complete faith that all the actors and directors know how we all feel, and will make this movie so breathtaking we will watch the movie over and over agian.
February 4th, 2008 at 8:38 pm
I agree with barbara. I was reading that, and I was like… uhm.. no, that’s not how he told her in the book? I really hope this movie doesn’t completely ruin the book. I don’t think it will though, as long as they portray the characters as they are in the book. I really hope it will be as amazing as the books.
February 4th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
I think that the ‘running through tree top’ effect will be pretty cool. I know everyone is a little on edge about it-including me-but I think the movie will be really good. They can’t stick to EVERYTHING in the book, or else it would be too long of a run time.
I am scared though that this will be like another ‘Blood And Chocolate’ thing. Where the movie TOTALLY ruins every aspect of the book.
Congrats and good luck to the actors!
February 4th, 2008 at 8:50 pm
Agreed. this book is a masterpiece and well written and it deserves a movie so amazing that will satisfy everyone. if she hasn’t already she needs to read the book, both her and robert.
but for now i guess we’ll all just have to trust stephenie when she says her “baby is in good hands”…
February 4th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
Treetops???? lol, wut?
February 4th, 2008 at 8:52 pm
i really hope they don’t change the story too much…the books r always better then the movies…it’s what happens in all movies that originated from books…i agree edwrad doesn’t run on top of trees he runs on the ground…they better leave all the good quotes of the book in there too like the lion and the lamb one…i LOVE that one…i really hope it’s a good movie or i’ll b disappointed…but i just hope they stick with the non-hollywood version like no fangs, or bats, or coffins, or skulls, or the whole sun killing them thing…i wonder how they r gonna do about having edward sparkle in the sun…
February 4th, 2008 at 8:53 pm
i cant wait til the movie comes out…i really hope its as good as the books!!!!!!!!! and why is Pattinson only going to be in one movie???hmm too old maybe for the part????? and what the hell about the running on the treetops??? no where in the book do i remember that…and i just read it for like the 16th time
February 4th, 2008 at 8:59 pm
Ugh, so that online script was the real thing. So many things were messed up. I’m really scared now.