Summitt Entertainment has pulled out the directing chair for Bill Condon for the upcoming “Twilight: Breaking Dawn.”
Based on the best-selling novel about sparkly vampires, the movie will split the book into two parts.
Condon has worked as a screenwriter and director on such projects as “Dreamgirls,” “Gods and Monsters” and “Spaced Invaders.”
Summit president of production Erik Feig said in the official press release, “Bringing Stephenie Meyer’s ‘Breaking Dawn’ to the screen requires a graceful and intelligent hand, and we believe Bill Condon is exactly the right steward, having shown equal and abundant talents of immense creativity and subtle sensitivity.”
Author Stephanie Meyer said, “I’m so thrilled that Bill wants to work with us. I think he’s going to be a great fit, and I’m excited to see what he does with the material.”
The press release did not indicate whether ‘Breaking Dawn’ would be subject to either of the trends that studios are currently enforcing on their tentpole pictures, i.e. being filmed in or converted to 3-D or broken up into two parts, although the latter has also been rumored for the “Twilight” finale.
The hiring of Condon comes following recent rumors that ’30 Days of Night”s David Slade—the director of the third installment in the series, Eclipse (out June 30)—had run into trouble with Summit over the tone of his film, with reports of reshoots and a change in editors on the project. The studio has sought to dispel those rumors, telling E! Online that it is “very happy with Slade.”
Condon himself said in Summit’s press release, “I’m very excited to get the chance to bring the climax of this saga to life on-screen. As fans of the series know, this is a one-of-a-kind book—and we’re hoping to create an equally unique cinematic experience.”
The filmmaker is perhaps understating the case. “Breaking Dawn” is the most controversial book in the series, and as reported by CHUD.com last November, its many outrageous plot points—Bella and Edward violently consummating their relationship, Bella’s monster baby nearly tearing her apart during childbirth, and werewolf Jacob’s unnatural relationship with the child—would present a challenge for David Cronenberg, let alone a more mainstream director like Condon (no word on whether he’ll get a crack at writing the thing—regular “Twilight” screenwriter Melissa Rosenberg is back again).
uh…….. I like cheese……..
The “saga?” Um, what now? I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again: Anyone who considers themselves a fan of the movies and/or books should immediately commit ritualistic suicide and save the world from their ilk.