Back in April we told you that Bill Condon was closer to directing the fourth chapter of Twilight Saga, after March brought us news that Summit Entertainment was looking to make a big splash with a want list of reputable directors that included Condon, Coppola Vant Sant and later in the month, Stephen Daldry. Summit has now issued a press release that marks Condon as the choice, a writer/director that has had great success in adapting material, including garnering an Academy Award for his screenplay of Gods and Monsters. He also adapted Chicago and directed Dreamgirls, both of which were commercial and critical successes.
Nothing in the press release addressed whether or not Breaking Dawn will be split into two movies to maximize the profit squeeze potential of the franchise (which don’t get me wrong, I’m not mad at!). One also wonders if the Breaking Dawn will be filmed in 3-D, offering up glittering vampire in a new dimension! Personally, the more dimensions we get of Alice Cullen may be enough for me to approve any such decision. Summit has time to make such decisions, as Eclipse (check out all of our Eclipse coverage–including the recently released new trailers!).
What do Twilight fans think?
BILL CONDON TO DIRECT SUMMIT ENTERTAINMENT’S THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN
Los Angeles, CA April 28, 2010 – Summit Entertainment has confirmed that Academy Award® winner Bill Condon will direct THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN, based on the fourth novel in author Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series. THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN, is currently being written by Melissa Rosenberg, and will star Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner. Wyck Godfrey, Karen Rosenfelt, and Stephenie Meyer will produce the project.
“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,” said Erik Feig, President of Production and Acquisitions, for Summit Entertainment.
Added author Stephenie Meyer, “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.”
“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,” said Bill Condon.
THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN illuminates the secrets and mysteries of this spellbinding romantic epic that has entranced millions.
Condon is well known for writing and directing DREAMGIRLS, KINSEY, and GODS AND MONSTERS, for which he won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay in 1999. He was nominated for a second Oscar for his screenplay for the movie musical CHICAGO in 2003. Most recently the multi-hyphenate directed the pilot episode for the Showtime series “The Big C” and produced the 81st Annual Academy Awards telecast, hosted by Hugh Jackman.
What do I think? Get rid of Melissa Rosenberg. As far as I am concerned she went off in the wrong direction with New Moon.