Originality seems to be going out of style as Twilight becomes the next franchise to fall victim to the remake bite.
Based on the best-selling book-turned-movie franchise, Twilight follows Bella Swan as she navigates a new life in Fawkes, Washington, and battles both her heart (stuck between vampire Edward Cullen and werewolf Jacob Black) and a bloodthirsty vampire. Twilight took the world by storm in 2008, instantly joining its source material in becoming a household name. Led by Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, and Taylor Lautner, the actors have become synonymous with Twilight.
Lionsgate Television (Ghosts US, Minx, Dear White People) have announced the Cullen family will be getting another stab at high school, but this time, they’ll be gracing the silver screen. Details are scarce but Sinead Daly (The Get Down, The Walking Dead: World Beyond) is attached as scriptwriter. And whoever ends up stepping out as a member of the Cullen clan will surely be subjected to a high level of scrutiny. After all, Stewart and Pattinson’s tumultuous relationship made headlines and Lautner’s body was highly scrutinised.
Whether or not it will remain faithful to Stephenie Meyer’s best-selling teen series has yet to be confirmed. Given how popular the film franchise was, a simple retelling would have a lot to live up to. However, Meyer is rumoured to be involved in the series’ development so fans can be assured that if their favourites do get to live (or more appropriately, die) again, the creator has the helm.
Yet, fan reception is unclear. Many have taken to social media to declare their excitement but others are more hesitant. TikToker and TV reviewer Alexandra Desiree (@yourtvgirl) was one: “now it’s gonna be a tv series… like for what?” she questioned, going on to say that while she understood the original films were not “great movies”, that does not necessarily mean they need a remake.
Though little is known at this stage, people have eagerly begun producing fancasts, as well as speculating on how a reboot may remedy some of its predecessor’s issues. And although Twilight has a loyal fanbase, it’s far from sparkling. The treatment of indigenous characters by Meyer and the franchise was subject to deserved criticism for its impact on the Quileute tribe to this day (who were the inspiration for the Black werewolf clan). This remake has the potential to alter perception.
The announcement has offered more questions than answers at this time. Though, this remake will stay true to its roots with its cycle of adaptation—after all, Twilight was originally fanfiction.
Words by Rhiannon Jenkins
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