Looks like the people who want more of Edward Cullen in New Moon will be getting their wish. Reportedly, part of the reason that Catherine Hardwicke was let go from directing New Moon is that she wanted time to make a a faithful translation of the book. That’s because Rosenberg’s script, which has already been delivered, finds a way to put a lot more Robert Pattinson on the screen:

The problem that stalled negotiations was that Hardwicke had strong opinions about what to do with the next installment, and so did Summit. The debate was how to focus the adaptation of the second book, which deals more with giant werewolves than vampires, as well as the long depression of Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart), after her vampire lover (Rob Pattinson) leaves her. One issue was how to get more of teen heartthrob Pattinson into the film. (Rosenberg has figured out a device to achieve this.) But Hardwicke, burned out from her “Twilight” labors, simply wasn’t willing to jam this movie with a script that still needed months of development.

So exactly what is this “device” that Rosenberg has figured out? I’m thinking lots and lots of dream sequences or flashbacks. Or maybe a spirit guide.

I’m torn–though I’d love to see more of Edward in the next installment, I also want a faithful translation to the big screen. Indications point towards less-faithful, more-Edward with Hardwicke leaving the project.

No Hardwicke for ‘Twilight’ sequel

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After Catherine Hardwicke helped bring in the biggest box-office numbers ever for a female director, her dismissal brings to mind the question of gender for the replacement director. Can a man really get the feel for the Twilight universe as well as a woman?

Some argue that a female sensibility is vital to capturing the lovesick heroine of Stephenie Meyer’s vampire romance. While I agree that no one understands angsty teenage girls quite like someone who once was an angsty teenage girl, that in no way negates a man’s ability to bring this story to life. Remember that while the novel is told from Bella’s perspective, the big screen incarnation doesn’t live solely in its heroine’s mind. Each character (both male and female) must become a fully-formed entity in and of themselves — something any good director (male or female) should be able to do. Many of our greatest romances have been largely male produced. One of my personal faves (don’t judge) is The Notebook — a novel written by a guy (Nicholas Sparks), adapted for the screen by a guy (Jan Sardi), and directed by a guy (Nick Cassavetes). This man-made movie left me sobbing buckets, something Twilight certainly didn’t do.  

‘Twilight’ sequel’s new director: Should a man direct ‘New Moon’?

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