Why Sofia Coppola Declined to Direct Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 2 for This Unusual Reason
Sofia Coppola's potential directing role in Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 2 was hindered by a significant plot element involving Jacob discovering his soulmate
The Twilight franchise was centered around sparkly vampires, werewolves, and a love triangle. However, director Sofia Coppola declined to direct the final installment due to a specific plot element in the original books and movie. It is undeniable that in 2008, Hollywood cashed in on the popularity of vampires, werewolves, and the supernatural. Stephenie Meyer's Twilight book series became a global phenomenon and the first successful on-screen adaptation, leading to a lucrative franchise.
After settling down in the rainy town of Forks, Washington with her father, Bella Swan (played by Kristen Stewart) unknowingly becomes entangled in the realm of supernatural beings. It is there that she encounters the captivatingly handsome Edward Cullen (portrayed by Robert Pattinson) and his vampire family. Little does she know, her childhood friend Jacob Black (played by Taylor Lautner) belongs to a tribe of werewolves. The Twilight book series consists of five consecutive books, all of which were adapted into successful films. When it came time for the final installment, Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 2, numerous relationships had undergone significant changes, leading to Sofia Coppola stepping back from directing it.
Jacob finds his soulmate in Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 2
Sofia Coppola confessed to not directing the final installment of the Twilight movie series due to Jacob's imprint on Renesmee, the newborn child of Bella and Edward.
In the conclusion of Part 1, Bella's life is threatened during childbirth, and Edward attempts to save her by turning her into a vampire. The film concludes with Bella's transformation and rebirth as a vampire. However, complications arise in Part 2 when Jacob's tribe objects to the existence of the baby, considering it a violation of their treaty. This arises from the fact that the baby is the offspring of a human, Bella, and potentially possesses vampire characteristics.
However, as Jacob prepares to kill Renesmee, a significant change occurs when he gazes into the baby's eyes and becomes imprinted on her. This process, known as imprinting, is an essential aspect of the Twilight series. It allows werewolves to form a deep connection with their soulmate, irrespective of age. Upon locking eyes, they are granted a glimpse into their shared future and the immense love they will experience together. It is worth mentioning that during this time, another member of Jacob's tribe had also imprinted on a young girl. This, however, was a unique case as Jacob imprinted on a newborn. Understandably, such a concept was initially met with skepticism by those who were unfamiliar with the book series.
Even director Francis Ford Coppola shared similar thoughts during an interview with Rolling Stone. He considered the idea of imprinting and the supernatural nature of the baby to be peculiar. "But," he added, "the earlier movies in the Twilight saga could be portrayed in an engaging manner. I found the possibility of a teenage-vampire romance intriguing, although the final installment ventures into uncharted territory."
Fans will always remember Bella's strong reaction when she discovered that Jacob had imprinted on her baby daughter and gave her the nickname of the Loch Ness monster. Similarly to Quil Ateara V and his imprint, Jacob took on a brotherly role for Renesmee until she reached a certain age. However, due to her vampire genes, Renesmee matured at an accelerated rate. Additionally, her unique abilities allowed her to comprehend the nature of Jacob's connection to her. For more TV & Movies content, feel free to explore further here.
