So continues the teen vampire saga.
It was bound to happen so it came as little surprise that the week following the successful opening of Twilight (our review), it was officially announced that the second book in the series would become a film. New Moon is scheduled to push into production in March 2009 and thought both leads are signed on for part two, the same wasn’t true for director Catherine Hardwicke who had talked about the second film but had not officially signed on. Now it looks like we’ll never get to see her vision of the saga.
According to reports from Deadline Hollywood, Summit is officially moving on with the sequel without Hardwicke due to what they’re calling “differing visions”. I’m wondering if there’s something more at play like maybe the fact that Summit is pushing to keep the budget small yet this film will require a whole lot more special effects (with transforming werewolves and all) and considering the flack Twilight has taken for the cheesy effects, I’m not surprised Hardwicke wanted more money for a better looking film. Then there is the simple fact that book two features very little of the saga’s dreamy male lead (OMG no Edward?) – I’m wondering how they plan on working around this minor glitch which has nothing to do with the director but which I’m very curious about.
As much as I enjoyed the movie (and yes, I realize it’s not a great movie but I did like it a whole lot) I’m not quite sure Harwicke needs to come back for number two. The second part of the story doesn’t have the same amount of teen angst at play and now that it’s been set up rather nicely, they can move along with the rest of the story.
The question now: if not Hardwicke who? Let the fangirl speculation begin.
*Totally* agree. Thought the direction of TWILIGHT was sloppy at best, and outright absnetee at worst. Perhaps some new blood (pardon the pun) is what the series needs.
I didn’t think it was all that messy but the second half of the film is seriously lacking, mostly because it deals with the “supernatural” and Hardwicke isn’t the best at directing action. That said, the first half of the film with the teen interaction is very good.
I think the second installment has more problems ahead than just the direction but we’ll see how things go. I’m curious to see who takes up the reins though I have a feeling it’ll be either a first time or relatively unknown director.
I had no issues with the direction of the first film, the only thing I didn’t love was the effects.
I wonder if the differing visions is more likely the story. Although I can see a few creative ways to tackle the book and keep the screaming fans happy, I’m not sure how they would do that and stay true to the book. Initially, I’d imagine they would merge New Moon and Eclipse as 1 film.
It will be interesting to see how things develop.
“Initially, I’d imagine they would merge New Moon and Eclipse as 1 film.”
I wouldn’t be surprised if the Studio pushed for that. Maybe do two movies out of the two books but intercutting the two – just to keep the screaming fans happy. That said, There is a pretty large “Team Jacob” fanbase – likely large enough to satiate the fans for book #3.
I just hope they stop at 3. I have no interest in seeing Breaking Dawn on the big screen.
And here comes the first round! Care of MTV. It’s pretty damned funny but I do like the suggestion of Amy Heckerling. Nice.
Oh, so that is what “Team Edward” is? It’s Edward or Jacob? hahah .. funny that. I’m all for Team Jacob to be honest…
They could also speed up the beginning of New Moon and spread out the last sections. Or do lots of out of sequence flashback, memories, images from first film. I don’t think that would work though.
I strongly agree that I hope they don’t do Breaking Dawn on film, I honestly can’t imagine that working at all. It was my least fave of the books.
I like the Amy Heckerling suggestion as well.
Why do they mention “they are about the same age as Hardwicke” with regards to the female directors? Bizarre.
I also have to say Ang Lee would be able to create a great atmosphere, but it would be such a different tone.
On the Team debate: