Twilight movie director Catherine Hardwicke discusses her thoughts on the TV adaptation reboot. Hardwicke directed the 2008 film adaptation of Stephanie Meyer's romantic fantasy novel, which follows the blossoming romance between high-school student Bella Swan and mysterious loner Edward Cullen, who is a vampire. While Hardwicke brought the original novel to the big screen, she was unable to work on the sequels due to time constraints.
As Lionsgate prepares to bring Twilight to television, Hardwicke shares her perspective on whether the reboot can achieve the same success as the original film series. She expresses optimism, believing that the story possesses a timeless quality that continues to resonate with younger audiences who are discovering it for themselves. Hardwicke also offers advice on how to approach the story. Read her full response below.
I find it extremely exciting to see that this story has continued to captivate and engage people. It has gained a significant following in the TikTok and internet communities, proving its enduring popularity. I recently had a conversation with a young girl who was born the same year we released the first Twilight film, and she expressed a strong passion for it.
In the first film, we managed to maintain a sense of realism that made the story feel grounded. The connection between Bella and Edward was palpable, allowing viewers to truly immerse themselves in the narrative. It's worth considering this aspect when thinking about the film. Additionally, the chemistry between Edward and Bella is absolutely essential.
Twilight's TV Reboot Faces A Uphill Battle, But Many Franchise Stars Are Hopeful
Hardwicke is among the few individuals associated with the original Twilight movie series who have expressed their thoughts on Lionsgate's efforts to bring the franchise to the small screen. Peter Facinelli, known for his portrayal of Carlisle Cullen, the patriarch of the Cullen family, has shown willingness to support the new cast. However, Facinelli is uncertain about reprising his role in the Twilight series after a significant amount of time has passed since the story concluded. On the other hand, Ashley Greene, who played Alice Cullen, has expressed her belief that the show has the potential for a TV series reboot even before its official announcement.
The main question that remains is how Twilight fans, who grew up with the series, will react to the new television adaptation. Upon the announcement, netizens took to the internet to share their opinions on the Twilight series. The fandom appears to be divided due to their emotional connection to the original film series. While some are willing to give the new show a chance because of their love for the source material, it is evident that whoever takes on the task of developing the supernatural events in Forks will face a challenging journey to gain the audience's investment.
Hardwicke's successful start to the Twilight saga's movie franchise makes her perspective highly valuable. The director is optimistic about the lasting popularity of Twilight, implying that while longtime movie fans may have concerns, a fresh audience could easily develop the same affection for the potential TV series that older Twilight enthusiasts have for the films. With Hardwicke's hopeful outlook on the new show, hesitant viewers might be inclined to give the TV reboot a chance once it is released.