With the rapid fire production schedule of the Twilight movies, some might think they are trying to get these out before the buzz wears off for the popular book series. So when Catherine Hardwicke was replaced with Chris Weitz for New Moon, we now find out that Weitz will not be directing Eclipse.
Announced today we hear that David Slade will be taking the mantle for the third film in the series.
After New Moon director Chris Weitz let it be known that he would be one and done, various names arose as possibilities to direct the adaptation of the third book in Stephenie Meyers’ bestselling young-adult novel series, including Weitz’s brother, Paul; Guillermo del Toro protégé Juan Antonio Bayona; James Mangold and Drew Barrymore.
But in the end, Summit Entertainment went with a guy who certainly knows his monsters, of both the human and otherworldly variety.
“I am thrilled that David Slade will be directing Eclipse,” Meyer said in a statement Wednesday. “He’s a visionary filmmaker who has so much to offer this franchise.”
With only one film out there, I am curious to see how the “one and done” method of directing these films will affect the series. I find that Hardwicke is just too damned creepy to look at, so if I were in the cast I would be fine to get rid of her, but the movie turned out surprisingly enjoyable.
We don’t know if Chris Weitz will do a better job or worse, but I at least hope his style fits with the first movie, and that concern carries over for any sequels.
I have liked the stuff that Slade has put out (30 days of Night, Hard Candy) so I hope he doesn’t break the streak for me, or break the franchise for the fans.
