News

Catherine Hardwicke Won't Direct Twilight Sequel

In a surprise move, Catherine Hardwicke will not be returning as director on the follow up to Twilight for Summit Entertainment. The sequel, New Moon, is a hotly anticipated event, thanks to the first film's huge success.

While many industry insiders predicted that Hardwicke would direct at least one of the two planned sequels, she had to drop out due to Summit's decision to aggressively fast-track production. The studio wants to release the movie in late 2009 or early 2010 to satiate fans, despite the fact that the film requires time-consuming CGI work.

Hardwicke, who got her start in production and design, wanted more prep time so she could focus on the film's look, but the studio could not grant her the time she requested, so she has left the project. Additionally, the director and the studio had differing opinions on how to approach the second installment of the franchise, specifically relating to the plot adaptation the novel, which focused more on the giant werewolves than the vampires. New Moon also features heroine Bella enduring a lengthy depression after Edward deserts her, making it a difficult storyline to adapt.

Hardwicke released this statement about her departure from the franchise: "I am sorry that due to timing I will not have the opportunity to direct New Moon. Directing Twilight has been one of the great experiences of my life, and I am grateful to the fans for their passionate support of the film. I wish everyone at Summit the best with the sequel—it is a great story." Summit, in turn, thanked Hardwicke for helping to launch the franchise and said it hopes to work with her on future Summit projects.

Twilight is a bonafide blockbuster, having earned over $135 million in domestic box office receipts. The film's scribe, Melissa Rosenberg, is already working on the screenplay for New Moon.

—The ARTISTdirect Staff
12.08.08