Twilight’s success train has moved along without a hitch since the film premiered to record numbers for a female director and continues to perform strong, raking in over $139 million domestically to date. But all is not well in the world of vampires and werewolves, as confirmed today by Summit Entertainment.
In an unexpected move, Summit has announced parting ways with Catherine Hardwicke, who directed Twilight, in regards to the sequel New Moon. Catherine had been pegged as a shoe in after Summit fast-tracked the sequel once day into Twilight’s theatrical release.
The speed of which Summit is looking to get New Moon into theaters is reportedly part of why Hardwicke won’t be along for the ride. She isn’t thrilled with having to deliver a completed film by last 2009 or early 2010 as Summit wants, especially since only a first draft of the script has been delivered by scribe Melissa Rosenberg.
Hardwicke is also reportedly clashing with Summit on how to handle Rob Pattinson’s screen-time. In the book New Moon his presence is limited with the focus shifting to werewolves and Bella’s heartbreak over his character leaving her. For the film, Summit wants to increase his role to take advantage of the swooning fan girls who went gaga over him in Twilight.
Now the hunt is on for a new director to helm the Twilight sequel. Summit will need someone with an immediately open slate and willingness to take their direction. It will be interesting to see if Summit sticks with a relative unknown or goes for a more prominent and seasoned director based on Twilight’s continued strong success.
Source: Variety
