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 5th, 2008 at 11:07 pm
Personally, I love the choice of Robert Pattinson for Edward… I think he’ll be able to recreate Edward’s untouchable air that’s prominent in certain scenes in the books really well. And (don’t get me wrong, I love the series with an unhealthy passion) although I would love to see the movies EXACTLY the same as the books, it isn’t possible. From a marketing point of view, it’s downright illogical - they’re trying to sell the movie to not just fans of the books, but also people who have never read the books. It’s a difficult job to make the movie satisfactory to both groups.
I think they’ll do it justice. (Although I’m kind of nervous about the “running on treetops” part…)
February 5th, 2008 at 11:10 pm
I cannot wait for the movie to come out! i hope they dont mess this movie up. the books were sooooo good! if they do i am going to very mad. think they did a fantastic job on bella, but for edward come on! im not saying he is a bad actor but he just dosent look the part and plus you need to make sure the actress for bella and the actor for edward look good as a couple. and sorry to say but Robert dosent look young enough for the part.
February 5th, 2008 at 11:12 pm
omg im super excited for this movie! my friends and I are planing on seeing it together. we promised each other, if something gets really screwed up, we are running out of the theater, screaming we hate it, and we will never buy the movie. but I know it will be good. cant wait!
February 5th, 2008 at 11:16 pm
I agree with what I am hearing. I hope they realize that the fan base of this book mainly consists of Twilight purists that would HATE to see this story ruined by cheesy special effects or corny promises of “luv.” We love Twilight for a reason and we are not to be trifled with. I am already miffed about the casting… Robert is not nearly attractive enough, I wanted either Gaspard or Tom Sturridge to play Edward. They are more sexy in a dark mysterious type way, which is the embodiment of Edward. They should have gotten people who were in love with the books BEFORE THEY WERE CAST. That way we know the movie is in the right hands. I was personally hoping for someone like Emily Browning, although her allegiance to the series is unknown. Hollywood should know by know that when they make movies out of cult classics like Twilight, they had better be prepared to do a whole lot of explaining. Personally, I have seen the previous work of the cast and read some of the writing for this movie and others and I am not particularly impressed. I know that this is an incredibly harsh statement to make, but it is my own relative truth. I just hope I am proven wrong on this one. If they do make all 3 (or 4) than the first one had better be hard core kick ass amazing. Good luck Hollywood, the ball is in your court now, don’t $$~?* it up like you are doing with the writers strike…
February 5th, 2008 at 11:18 pm
ahh. i am soo stoked about twilight becoming a movie!!!! i have read all 3 books and read the first chapter of the book in edwards perspective. i can’t wait!!!!!
I love edward cullen!!
February 5th, 2008 at 11:18 pm
I loved Twilight. I used to hate reading, but now since i read Edward and Bella I have to keep myself busy. anticipating the next book.(*sigh) I REALLY hope they don’t *$*@$ up the plot. I love the book just as it is. Sure there are things in the 2nd I’d like to change but that would change the outcome. I REALLY hope they have scenes where they are in her room. and he is holding her in his lap in her rocking chair. Or when they are in the meadow. DO YOU REALLY THINK THE 3RD MOVIE WILL BE RATED “R”. I know that they are supposed to get married but do you think they’ll describe the wedding night?(*sigh I really hope so!)
February 5th, 2008 at 11:21 pm
Agh , it’s so exciting!
I love the characters , and who’s playing them.
alot of people don’t like the Edward though, and thats disappointing.I think it’s probably mostly because so many expected them from their imagination , and when they pop up a picture of a guy (nothing like they expected) it gets them disappointed. ):
Personally , I love the actors/actresses playing the roles.
i’m just hoping the movie is just as excellent as the book! :]
February 5th, 2008 at 11:24 pm
The actors chosen so far have been great in every movie I’ve ever seen them in, so I think it will be a fantastic movie! Me and my girl are gonna see it the first day it comes out. Yeah! Thats so awesome its being made into a movie!!
February 5th, 2008 at 11:26 pm
i have to say that i’m very excited for the moive. i loved all 3 books and like most people are saying i really do hope that they dont $#$?% it up. i love the book twilight. i hope they do a good job. and i loved the stars they picked for bella and edward.
good luck!
February 5th, 2008 at 11:27 pm
I am getting a little nervous about how this is turning out:( they better not @~$~* this movie up or am going to have to do some serious damage(jk but u get my point)! i hope they dont change the main parts of the book or take them out. i am getting the feeling that they are going to mess this movie up. needless to say i am very unhappy. but i still am so excited and cant wait to see how it turns out although i am scared.
February 5th, 2008 at 11:29 pm
Since when could Edward fly????!!!
February 5th, 2008 at 11:29 pm
I think this tree tops thing is crazy! The car sceene is a major point! it’s her actually falling in love with him! They can’t change that!!! can they? I think robert is going to be great at Edward. Has anyone watched Goblet of Fire lately? i mean seriously… look at the sceene when harry tells him the task is dragons?! he’s with all his girl class mates and flashes them this half smile that touches his eyes. he’s perfectly fine. this is stephanie’s pride and joy. I doubt just like JK, that she will let them take or change tooooo much of the story line that she feels is important. I have full trust in them to do this right… and if they dont… well just have to revolt… hahahah
February 5th, 2008 at 11:29 pm
if they really do mess this up - which is an all-too-likely possibility - i’m going to cry. this series has a very large fanbase, and we really don’t want to be disappointed. please don’t let us down!
February 5th, 2008 at 11:30 pm
OMG! Im so excited about the movie! i love these books probably more than i should. i want the movie to at least resemble the movie a little bit–but they can’t make the movie exactly like the book…i really dont want them to change the sequence of when he tells her he’s a vampire or when edward finds out about james–the would just totally ruin it! but i am so anxious of the coming out of the movie and i am gonna see it in theaters and im gonna buy it–no doubt, and ive gotten all my friends hooked on the books as much as i am!
February 5th, 2008 at 11:33 pm
I’m pretty pumped about the movie myself!!! I think Kristen Stewart is a good choice for Bella too, but i’m not as sure about edward….though i seriously cant imagine who would be perfect in my eyes. I really hope the dont mess this up to be honest i havent been a fan very long…(which saddens me because i absolutly love this book..if i could marry a book….lol jk) but i’ve since reread it so many times its hard for me to find books to read till the next one…..but anyway yeah i really hope its good i mean when i first heard about the movie i was estatic…but after hearing the treetops thing i’m starting to have my doubts…since well the conversation they have in the book i absolutly adore……so i dont know..i mean i’m definatly gonna see it but i hope this isnt the case i get my hopes up to have them crushed…..i dont want to walk into the theater and come out completely dissapointed like i have for so many book turn movies before!!!!
February 5th, 2008 at 11:35 pm
I got the books for Christmas, and held off on reading them for about two weeks. I started to read the first one, then the second, and the third. All in a weekend. I’m still completely obsessed and haven’t read anything but these books in the past coupel of months. The movie is going to be AMAZING, but I don’t really know about Robert Pattison. I love Kristen Stewert though! I’m interested to see who is casted as Jacob. I don’t exactly like Jacob that much… but…. I also hope that they don’t ~%*** up the movie!!!! I’m soooooooooooooo excited!
February 5th, 2008 at 11:37 pm
well, I just hope they do a good job of it. I mean, this isn’t to be taken lightly. Millions of fans are watching their every move; in other words, the pressure is on. They better do it right, not just for us but for Stephenie Meyer too. She deserves it.
February 5th, 2008 at 11:38 pm
i hope the movie turns out great! i love the books! cant wait for them to be out!
February 5th, 2008 at 11:39 pm
on treetops, hmmm, i’ve never seen anyone pull a scene like that off making it look good, so this will be interesting. i like the actress for bella, hate the actor for edward. (though i don’t care ’cause i’m a jacob fan… jacob better be a ‘perfect’ jacob or else i’ll cry)Can’t wait for the movie though i know deep down it will fail. ‘Summit’ isn’t a good movie producer plus i don’t think they have a lot of money. WOOOO twilight time WOOO party ….. my jacob
February 5th, 2008 at 11:39 pm
Omg, some of you are overreacting a little dont you think. I mean I know its a great book and all, one of my favorites but when you make a movie some stuff has to be sacrificed and as for the actors of course everyone thinks someone different should play them, everygirl is Bella which was stephenie’s intention to begin with and since Edward is pretty much perfection we’ve all invented him in our own heads. If they do manage to $??~~ it up that badly go home and reread the books it will make you feel better I’m sure.
February 5th, 2008 at 11:39 pm
I think it’s going to suck! These actors can’t top the image of a stranger that you pull out of your mind to capture Bella, Edward, and the others. These are well known actors, I wanted people no one knew so you can’t compare them to their other movies. Thats all i see is the girl from the messengers and harry potter.
February 5th, 2008 at 11:41 pm
wait….flying on treetops? what the heck! thats not in the book!
February 5th, 2008 at 11:42 pm
I absolutely agree with Rose (right at the beginning). Tom Sturridge or Gaspard Ulleil would have been perfect. They were my Edward when Robert Pattinson stepped in. That just shattered my hopes right there. I think, to get a better fan base/build up for the movie they should have at least listened to some of the fan’s choices. It would have been a much better idea, and very worthwhile. I’m very unimpressed with Kristen Stewart. Her facial expressions convey very little (especially sadness), and her voice is quite monotone in most of her scenes. I’m very nervous for the movie because I will probably be let down by the interpretations of the script, etc… And also, if Catherine Hardwicke cannot keep the plot the same, then we have a very big problem. Houses will burn I think. Please check out my website and leave feedback on what You think of the castings, movie, storyline, etc…
February 5th, 2008 at 11:42 pm
I know! flying over the treetops?! No car seen?What are they doing? Have they even read Twilight? I am going to cry.
February 5th, 2008 at 11:43 pm
ok so this series is the best thing ever!!!! Even if the movie does suck (im very sure it will not) it cant really ruin the books. As long as the basic plot is in order i will be happy. I am just so glad that there is another book coming out!!!
I am glad that the actors resemble the chars in the book looks wise. THIS IS SOOOO GONNA ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
February 5th, 2008 at 11:43 pm
That is so wrong! Edward doesnt fly on top of trees! If they do mess up this movie A LOT of people are going to be upset, including me. It’s a good book and they shouldnt change much. I will still probably see it and buy it of course, but man will that suck!
February 5th, 2008 at 11:43 pm
I totally can’t wait for the movie to come out in theaters, but I’m hoping that they try to keep as much of the book in the movie as possible. It might or might not happen, but I hope they do. About Robert Pattinson playing Edward; I’m not really fond of him playing that role. I’m eager for him to change my mind, though. Also, Kristen Stewart seems like a good Bella in my eyes.
February 5th, 2008 at 11:47 pm
First off, they better not change the meadow scene! I’m already a little pissed about the Edward selection (Chace Crawford anyone?)and tree tops just throws me off! He runs through forrests and stuff, since when does he soar to great heights (although I’m sure he can if he wanted to)? When I heard about the movie I was happy and sad, but you know how that goes sometimes. I really hope they don’t change anything else either. Maybe they need to re-read the book cause I would be heart broken to spend $11.00 on a movie about my favorite series only to have it not follow or resemble the book at all! C’mon poeple they can do better than that. Way better than tree tops. Sigh, Let’s make it happen, for the fans please at least.
February 5th, 2008 at 11:48 pm
Please let me know what you think about the casting, treetops, and script, etc… on my website. I’d love to hear from you fellow Twilighters!
http://www.freewebs.com/cullenvirus/index.htm
February 5th, 2008 at 11:50 pm
everyone is saying that this movie is going to such, I honestly think its going to be incredible,I love who they chose for bella and for edward well it takes alot of pressure to play some one whos so perfect so take it easy on the actors.
~Caitlin
February 5th, 2008 at 11:53 pm
I think the movie is going to be great! Summit is like the perfect production company for this movie. Kristen is going to be an awesome Bella and Robert is a great actor. Can’t wait to c it!
February 5th, 2008 at 11:53 pm
I’m not sure I understand her whole, “treetops” thing. They do run along through a forest, right before the meadow scene, but never in any treetops. Of course, being an avid fan, its a little hard for me to accept a change in the storyline. Stephenie (or perhaps Seth told us this.)said she was okay with the script, but then, so did Christopher Paolini, and we can all see how Eragon went. I think Kristen and Robert will be excellent for the parts of Bella and Edward, at least, in looks, but I haven’t seen much of either of their acting, so I can’t really say. I hope everything is right. I will be extremely disappointed if this ruins Twilight.
February 5th, 2008 at 11:54 pm
It’s a movie based on one of my all-time favorite books. So naturally I’d be excited. But movie adaptations of books never left me satisfied. If it turns out to be suck-ish, I still won’t see the books differently in anyway. However, if I don’t see enough of Carlisle or Alice, then I will die.
Unless, of course, someone turns ME into a vampire.
February 5th, 2008 at 11:54 pm
“runs over the treetops” I don’t remember that in the book?
This dosn’t sound to good.
The books are amazing and the movie should be equally amazing if not better.
I know movies can’t have every little detail in it that the books contain but they should get close. I don’t know if there just trying to contain some information,or if this movie will just not be like the book. Plus Edward dosn’t tell Bella he’s a vampire she figures it out in La Plush from Jacob. I know the movie can not ruin the book in anyway,but I don’t want it giving this incredible book a bad name to those who haven’t had the experience of reading Twilight.
February 5th, 2008 at 11:55 pm
im very excited and i am just going ot reapaet everything i agree it will not be as good as our imaginations but i t will be good because these actors are very good actors yes edward does not look like wut i thought he looks like either and the movie will not be exactly like the books but i should be good and if its not we can all go kick there buts to a pulp but lke i said it should be very good and we have to have faith in the cast and crew so yeah and:
“Would you like to hear my story, Bella? It doesn’t have a happy ending, but which of ours does? If we had happy endings, we’d all be under gravestones now.” - Rosalie Hale
February 5th, 2008 at 11:56 pm
Kristen Stewart was cast PERFECTLY for bella. She is gorgeous, very talented, and fits the definion of bella to a T.
February 5th, 2008 at 11:57 pm
I am a huge fan of the Twilight Series. I think that we as fans need to give the movie a chance and stop coming up with all the negative things that might accrue in the movie. The actors and the producers know what they are up against and it is clearly obvious that we are making it even harder for them. Stephenie Meyer is a great writer and if she didn’t believe that they were going to do there best on this movie than she wouldn’t allow it. So lets stop worrying and start being optimistic. Can’t wait to see the hot Edward Cullen in the making.
February 6th, 2008 at 12:02 am
Okay… I’m probably the millionth person to say this, but they don’t run over the treetops - I mean honestly! My sense of dread is slowly building as more information about the movie is uncovered. I think I’ll just stick to rereading the books.
February 6th, 2008 at 12:04 am
I am really looking forward to this movie. I know (at least around my area) it will be extremely popular. Though I’m not happy with the people playing characters (just because it will be tough to let go of the images of the characters in my head for a couple hours to watch the movie), I know that both Kristen and Robert are amazing at what they do. It will be amazing no matter what, just because it’s Twilight. I am just hoping that there will be no drastic changes to the storyline to interfere with what really happens.
February 6th, 2008 at 12:05 am
I am excited, trilled, anxious, and nervous for this movie. It is just going to be fantastic to see the charaters that I love in action…I am a little wiery though…the persona’s of the characters are very distict and that is the part that I love most… it just seems to me that Edward the difinition of perfection might be difficult to match…I am definately going to give Robert Pattison a chance but I am still nervous. I don’t doubt his acting abilities and although he is hadsom, I can’t quite see him as my Edward. The person who plays my vampire should be the look calaber to be the face on the posters on evey high school girls walls. I like Bella… I have to admit that I was praying for Alexis Bledel. She has been my Bella only when Im not being her myself…hey a girl can dream right? I guess we shall see if it turns out like we all hope.
February 6th, 2008 at 12:06 am
as excited as i am to the movie, i have a feeling this movie wont do the book justice!
February 6th, 2008 at 12:07 am
I’m stoked about the film!
me and my best friend [who has also read the series] will both be going to see it.
but i agree with most people here, i wont be happy about the storyline change, although, it would be hard to fit all the excellence of the original twilight into one movie!
making all four would be great, because theres just so much to tell and it would do the books justice for all four to be made as films!
i really can’t wait, just hoping it’s not a dispointment! and the chosen actors should be good for the parts, i’m fairly happy with that! =]
February 6th, 2008 at 12:09 am
I think the movie will be all that we fans are wishing and waiting for. I think Kristen and Robert will give a depth and passion to the characters Bella and Edward that we are all looking for. As to the running on top of trees as we all know in movies there are scenes that are shot and when reviewed do not make the cut and are deleted from the movie maybe the directors will read our fan comments and see that staying true to the novel will be the best route to go. Waiting patiently to see it
February 6th, 2008 at 12:13 am
I can’t wait! I don’t care what other people say- this movie is going to be great. I’m just happy they’re making it into one. I can’t wait to see who’s going to play the rest of the cast. Yay, Twilight series~
February 6th, 2008 at 12:15 am
I swear if they mess up this movie im going to freak!!!First of all when did edward learn how to fly.Oh my, I believe I skipped a page…uuuhh NOT!!!!i have these books memorized and last time I checked Edward DID NOT fly.secondly,robert pattison needs to get that face AND that body in check.he does not look anywhere close to edward and he is way to skinny.ummm wheres the muscles?If he doesn’t have at least a six pack im going to walk out that theater and ask for my money back.And i will do it trust me.third he MUST be able to do everything correctly or i will throw popcorn at the screen.
February 6th, 2008 at 12:16 am
I absolutely LOVE these books and I’ve been dreaming of the movies! I can’t wait to see it on film!
February 6th, 2008 at 12:20 am
what!?@# tree tops! they cant cut out the part in the volvo, its my favorite part! i just read that part they canot cancel it. they probabl only added that part for the people who crave more action in these kind of movies. i don’t know?
i like the people they chose to act bella and edward. i had to get used to edward but im just excited that there is a movie coming out for twilight. if the movie is a bust don’t give stephenie a hard time its not her fault.
February 6th, 2008 at 12:22 am
i didnt know what to think when harry didnt get the role as edward but it is going to be crazy to see what happens see if the movie dose the book justice. good luck.
February 6th, 2008 at 12:23 am
i think, like all the books that are made into a movie are never the same, the movie most of the times sucks, but i read this book and i really loved it, so i can’t wait to see it.. hopefully it can be best than the book.. anyway if the movie become into a great one i supose there will be three more, but until then, i am perfectly well about this first one.. i think stewart is the perfect character for the movie.. and i dont think that it really matters that the story is about vampires, it is just a story and we can face it!!! although it is out of reality.. i love the sotory i really think is awesome!!
February 6th, 2008 at 12:26 am
I am so excited that the movie is being made. I’m sure it will turn out good in its own way. I just wish that the writers would stick to the EXACT story line of the book as much as possible. That would make it incredible!