LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Fifteen years after bringing the vampire-mortal love story of Bella and Edward to screens in the first 'Twilight' film, director Catherine Hardwicke has some thoughts on who could play the leads if the franchise ever gets rebooted. But many fans of the mega-popular series are pushing back, saying no one could replace Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson.
Catherine Hardwicke endorses Jenna Ortega and Jacob Elordi for 'Twilight' reboot
In an interview on the 'Happy Sad Confused' podcast last week, Hardwicke gave a ringing endorsement to two young stars — Jenna Ortega and Jacob Elordi — as potential candidates to play Bella and Edward if a reboot were to happen with new actors.
"Oh yeah, that would be perfect," Hardwicke said when host Josh Horowitz suggested Elordi as Edward. She called Ortega "amazing" as a possible new Bella as well.
Hardwicke's comments come as Lionsgate is said to be in early development on a 'Twilight' TV series adaptation. Details remain sparse, but author Stephenie Meyer is reportedly involved in the project.
Lionsgate wants to revive 'Twilight' for small screen or film reboot
The 'Twilight Saga', based on Meyer's four vampire novels, grossed over $3.3 billion worldwide from five films released between 2008-2012.
With vampire and fantasy TV shows like 'The Vampire Diaries' and 'Shadowhunters' finding success in recent years, Lionsgate appears interested in reviving 'Twilight' for the small screen or even a film reboot.
But many passionate fans online balked at the idea of new actors, saying the magic of Kristen Stewart's brooding Bella Swan and Robert Pattinson's sparkly vampire Edward Cullen could never be replicated.
"There could never be another," one fan bluntly stated about Hardwicke's suggestions. "Even tho I love Jenna but no one can replace my original Edward and Bella," another wrote.
One fan suggested to "let the franchise rest it’s too soon," while another said more simply: "We don't want it sorry."
A fifth user affirmed: "There could never be another Twilight."
The intensity of reactions reflects the deeply loyal fanbase the 'Twilight' films inspired, especially during the late 2000s and early 2010s at the height of their popularity. For many viewers, no actors could replace Stewart and Pattinson as the core couple.
Jacob Elordi and Jenna Ortega are already established actors in Hollywood
While Hardwicke was slammed by fans for even suggesting new 'Twilight' leads, both Ortega and Elordi have already launched successful acting careers at young ages, as per The Hollywood Reporter.
The 20-year-old Ortega became a new scream queen in 2022 through her starring role as the creepy Wednesday Addams in Tim Burton's smash Netflix series 'Wednesday'. She also appeared in the latest 'Scream' trilogy and has a 'Beetlejuice' sequel lined up.
Elordi, 25, garnered fame through the Netflix film series 'The Kissing Booth' and now stars on HBO's drama 'Euphoria' while also working on major films like 'Saltburn'.
But he has been vocal about his regrets doing teen-focused fare like 'The Kissing Booth', saying the films are "ridiculous" and "not universal."
As intensely as fans guard the legacy of Stewart and Pattinson in the roles that made them global superstars, both actors have more than proven their talents in recent years with more mature, complex adult roles.
Stewart earned her first Best Actress Oscar nomination last year for her searing portrayal of Princess Diana in 'Spencer'. She has primarily stuck to thoughtful independent films like 'Certain Women' and 'Clouds of Sils Maria' since wrapping up 'Twilight'.
Pattinson has shown impressive range in arthouse fare like 'Good Time' and 'The Lost City of Z' while also taking on commercial projects like Christopher Nolan's 'Tenet'. And he is gearing up for sequels after strong reviews as the lead in Matt Reeves' moody 'The Batman' earlier this year.
