Chris Weitz in negotiations to direct “New Moon”
Director Chris Weitz, right, on the set of “The Golden Compass” with Dakota Blue Richards and Daniel Craig.
Chris Weitz, who directed “American Pie” and “The Golden Compass,” is in negotiations to direct the “Twilight” sequel “New Moon,” according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Summit Entertainment, which made its mark in the movie business with the more than $138 million (and counting) take for ”Twilight,” declined to confirm the director’s attachment, according to the trade publication. But Weitz is believed to be close to a deal to direct “New Moon,” the second book in Stephenie Meyer’s smash-hit four-book series.
Set in Forks, Wash., “Twilight” focuses on the passionate but intrinsically dangerous romance between awkward teenager Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) and eternally young vampire Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson). In “New Moon,” Edward leaves Forks and Bella out of concerns of her safety, sending her spiraling into a depression. She forms a close friendship with local teen Jacob Black, only to learn he is a werewolf.
Pattinson, who has become a beloved heartthrob since winning the role in “Twilight,” and Stewart will star in the sequel, which was written by Melissa Rosenberg, the “Dexter” scribe who adapted “Twilight.”
The $70 million opening weekend for “Twilight” set a record as the biggest opening weekend for a female director. Catherine Hardwicke (“Thirteen”) helmed “Twilight,” and she and Summit jointly announced Monday she would not return to direct “New Moon.”
The joint release indicated that Hardwicke didn’t feel she had enough prep time to accommodate Summit’s plans to release the sequel in late 2009 or early 2010. But some reports have indicated that creative differences may have been contributed to the negotiations breaking down between Summit and Hardwicke.
The Hollywood Reporter points out that Weitz has not directed a “girl-oriented project” before. His other directing credits include “About a Boy” and “Down to Earth.”
I’m disappointed that Summit isn’t making it a priority to get a female director for “New Moon.” Meyer’s books really tell about first love from a very female perspective. And since women and girls comprised 75 percent of the opening-weekend audience for “Twilight” (according to Fandango.com, as reported by the Associated Press), it seems like the company could have at least explored the option of a female director a little further.
-BAM
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Well wat can i say! Im real excited to see this movie! i cant wait until it comes out but if you guys ever need help in finding a mexican, 5′2”, brown eyes, brown hair, 135 lb. 16 year old girl for a character for this or any other twilight movie, just let me know and ill be more than HAPPY to play a part in your movie. It would be a dream come true if i actually get this opportunity. Well just let me know what you think!