With the success of Twilight, everyone is abuzz about who should direct the sequel. Catherine Hardwicke directed Twilight, but mediocre critical reviews may cause New Line to look at hiring a bigger name for the sequel. One needs only look at the various Harry Potter directors over the years to see that a bit of variety in the director chair isn’t necessarily a bad thing. According to Laremy Legel over at Film.com the possible candidates are–

5. The Wildcard: Alice Wu

I know, I know, you’ve never heard of Alice Wu. Probably no one reading this has. But in 2004 she directed a little film called Saving Face, a film entirely about relationships between women and their families. She hit a delicate balance throughout, which is exactly the vibe New Moon needs.

Odds: less than 1%

4. The Artist: Valerie Faris

She’s got the same musical ear as Hardwicke as she’s directed Smashing Pumpkins and Red Hot Chili Peppers music videos. She also directed a little film called Little Miss Sunshine. The only rub? She’s part of a team: her husband Jonathan Dayton co-directs with her. Why would that be a bad thing, though? The film is all about a powerful relationship. Why not have one in the directors’ chairs too?

Odds: 25%

3. The Youngster: Sarah Polley

She doesn’t hit 30 until January. But it’s a young cast; she’d fit right in. Plus, she directed the Oscar-nominated Away From Her. She’d be a huge risk, but as a working actor she’d have no trouble pulling out the performances she wanted.

Odds: 20%

2. The Contender: Julie Delpy

She wrote and directed 2 Days in Paris, a fantastic and romantic movie. She’s an actress like Kristen, and a writer like Stephenie and Melissa. Like Whitney Houston said, “She’s every woman, it’s all in her.” Do I even need to mention she’s French? That would help for the European portion of New Moon, oui? Odds: 30%

1. The Long Shot: Sofia Coppola
If Summit signed Sofia freaking Coppola that would certainly make the news. She’s made three films of merit: The Virgin Suicides (also an adaptation), Lost in Translation, and Marie Antoinette. Her visual eye is unparalleled, and she’s genius at beautiful, though subtle, emotional scenes. If money were no object, and I could get anyone, she would be my first call. She’d lend instant credibility to the project and the conversation would switch from New Moon as a teen sensation. Oscar would be in play, and that’s a very scary thing given the box office Summit is already banking on. The Twilight series could morph into something else entirely with a little new direction: a commercial and critical success.
Odds: 10%

My vote is definitely with Sofia Coppola–when I first read the books, I couldn’t help but think of the dreamy yet tense mood of the Virgin Suicides. Imagine New Moon with an Oscar!

New Moon: If Hardwicke is Replaced, Who Should Direct?