Even though Summit dropped Catherine Hardwicke from the helm of New Moon, they may want her to direct another big upcoming project based on a young adult novel, EW reports:

Summit Entertainment is trying to make lightning strike twice. The studio behind the Twilight movie series has plans to adapt a buzzy young-adult novel called If I Stay with Twilight director Catherine Hardwicke at the helm, EW has learned exclusively. The studio would not confirm the plan; a Summit insider said the parties are negotiating and a deal is not yet complete.

The book, from author/journalist Gayle Forman (Sisters in Sanity), doesn’t hit shelves until April 1 but was scooped up by Summit last month. The project centers on 17-year old musician Mia who, after a violent car accident, finds herself watching her damaged body taken from the wreck. She must decide whether or not she has the will to live.

It’s interesting that Hardwicke and Summit would team up again considering how the two parted ways after Twilight became a massive worldwide box office success. This reunion suggests that rumors of discord between the director and her studio may have been greatly exaggerated.

‘Twilight’ director Catherine Hardwicke in talks for young-adult film ‘If I Stay’ [ thanks, Barrie!]