Kristen Stewart Says Studio Execs Wanted ‘Twilight’ to Be a ‘Kids’ Movie

Samantha Bergeson
·2 min read
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Kristen Stewart is revealing just how little the studio behind “Twilight” knew about the lustful YA novel it was adapted from.

The “Love Lies Bleeding” star and “Spencer” Oscar nominee shared during a Rolling Stone cover story that the 2008 film, directed by Catherine Hardwicke, had studio pressure to be a “movie for kids” despite the saucy subject matter. While Stewart did not name the studio executives, the rights to the “Twilight” novel were acquired by Summit Entertainment, who distributed the feature film.

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Robert Pattinson starred in the “Twilight” films as undead vampire Edward Cullen who becomes obsessed with high schooler Bella Swan (Stewart), who in turn wishes to be killed and transformed into a vampire to forever be with Edward.

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A love triangle ensues between the tumultuously toxic couple and Bella’s family friend Jacob, a werewolf played by Taylor Lautner.

“The studio was trying to make a movie for kids,” Stewart said. “They didn’t want what actually was the book.”

She added: “When the fuck are [Bella and Edward] smiling, ever?”

Stewart was 17 when she led “Twilight” alongside a 21-year-old Pattinson. The actress compared her experience with the film franchise, adapted from Stephanie Meyer’s novel series, to being in her “senior year in high school.”

Stewart recently told Variety that “Twilight” was actually “such a gay movie” while reflecting on its legacy.

“I don’t think it necessarily started off that way, but I also think that the fact that I was there at all, it was percolating. It’s such a gay movie,” Stewart said. “I mean, Jesus Christ, Taylor [Lautner] and Rob [Pattinson] and me, and it’s so hidden and not OK. I mean, a Mormon woman wrote this book. It’s all about oppression, about wanting what’s going to destroy you. That’s a very Gothic, gay inclination that I love.”

A “Twilight” TV series is currently in the works (sans the film’s original stars). Meyer is expected to be involved in the television series, and the film franchise’s producers Wyck Godfrey and Erik Feig will executive produce. Sinead Daly is attached to write the show.

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