Published By: Dishya Sharma
Last Updated: November 27, 2023, 19:06 IST
Director reveals that finalising an actor for the role of Edward proved challenging. (Image Credits: Instagram)
On the occasion of 15 years of Twilight, director Catherine Hardwicke shares details on who she thinks would play the lead characters from the new generation of actors.
Ah, remember the days when Twilight was the talk of the town? A fantasy world where vampire-human love stories took the cinematic stage by storm. Twilight is the movie that made us swoon, cringe, and debate Team Edward versus Team Jacob with unparalleled passion. Fifteen years have passed since its debut, and it feels like just yesterday that we were all swept up in the supernatural romance of Bella Swan and Edward Cullen. Well, you’re not the only one feeling super nostalgic about the saga. Even the Twilight director Catherine Hardwicke sails in the same boat.
The creator herself recently shared her perspective on potential casting choices for a modern-day reboot of the iconic film. In a discussion on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, marking 15 years since the movie’s original release, Hardwicke expressed her endorsement of Jacob Elordi and Jenna Ortega as ideal candidates for the roles of Edward Cullen and Bella Swan.
Acknowledging Elordi’s excellence, she remarked, “Oh, that would be perfect. I mean, he’s amazing. He probably would be Edward today.”
Reflecting on the multitude of talented actors today, Hardwicke mentioned an encounter with Lewis Tan, who expressed interest in the role of Jacob Black, a part eventually played by Taylor Lautner. She emphasised the transformative impact such a role could have on an actor’s life. Hardwicke reiterated her admiration for Ortega, asserting, “I do think there’s a lot of really cool young actors today. Of course, you just mentioned Jenna Ortega, she’s amazing.”
In a separate conversation with The Hollywood Reporter commemorating Twilight’s 15th anniversary, Hardwicke recalled her early certainty in casting Kristen Stewart as Bella. Stewart’s portrayal resonated with the director, solidifying her choice after witnessing a screen test in Pittsburgh. “Oh my God, she’s really cool, and she’s got all that angst,” the filmmaker recalled about Stewart.
However, the search for Edward proved more challenging. Among the final contenders were Jackson Rathbone, Shiloh Fernandez, Ben Barnes, and Robert Pattinson, the latter going to great lengths, including personally financing his flight from London due to budget constraints.
Chemistry readings with Stewart ultimately led to the decisive moment when Hardwicke felt the undeniable “electricity” between her and Pattinson. Their on-screen connection translated into a real-life relationship that reportedly lasted four years.
You can listen to the full podcast here:
While a Twilight series is reportedly in development, its details remain scarce, with Sinead Daly, known for her work on projects like Tell Me Lies and The Walking Dead: World Beyond, handling the script in collaboration with Lionsgate TV. The nature of the series, whether a full-fledged adaptation of Stephenie Meyer’s books or a new direction entirely, is yet to be revealed.
Meanwhile, here are some scenes from the Twilight Saga to take you down memory lane.
How excited are you for Twilight Reboot?
