'Twilight' is returning as an animated series. Here's what we know.
'Midnight Sun,' the new animated series based on the 'Twilight' franchise, is officially happening—but with a twist. This time, it's an animated adaptation of 'Midnight Sun,' Stephenie Meyer's 2020 novel.
According to CinePremiere, 'Midnight Sun' retells the original 'Twilight' story, but from the perspective of Edward Cullen. While the original saga followed the events through Bella Swan’s eyes, this version dives into Edward’s darkest thoughts and internal struggles, exploring his love for Bella and the constant danger he poses to her.
The original 'Twilight' saga, which kicked off in 2005, was a juggernaut in both book sales and box office numbers. The movies alone pulled in over $3.3 billion globally, according to CinePremiere. Fans haven’t let go of their love for the series, staying loyal through books, movies, and merch.
The journey to 'Midnight Sun' hasn’t been smooth. Originally set for release in 2008, an early draft leaked online, delaying the project. Despite the wait, the book sold over a million copies in its first week when it was finally released in 2020.
Debate reports that Sinead Daly, known for her work on 'The Walking Dead: World Beyond' and 'Tell Me Lies,' will adapt the series for TV alongside Stephenie Meyer, who’s also on board as an executive producer. The animation is being handled by Lionsgate Television and Netflix.
As of now, there’s no word on whether Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart will reprise their roles as Edward and Bella in voice form, according to Infobae. However, since the project is still in its early stages, there’s a chance some of the original cast members could return.
According to Variety, Netflix has secured the rights to this new adaptation. Although there’s no official release date yet, fans can expect to see the series drop sometime in 2025.
The 'Twilight' franchise didn’t just rake in cash—it reshaped how we think about vampires in pop culture. Once feared creatures, vampires became romantic icons, captivating a whole new generation of young fans. The series also sparked a global phenomenon, inspiring countless parodies, tributes, and debates over the fantasy genre, according to Empire.
The fictional love triangle between Bella, Edward, and Jacob spilled into real life as media outlets speculated for years about Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson’s relationship. Their romance was one of the most closely followed by the press, but it hit controversy in 2012 when Stewart was photographed in an affair with director Rupert Sanders.
Despite its box office success, the first 'Twilight' movie was met with criticism, with some calling Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson’s performances “flat.” However, as Filmaffinity points out, both actors have since been praised for evolving into more complex and challenging roles.
Image: Facebook Twilight
Each 'Twilight' movie was helmed by a different director. The first film, directed by Catherine Hardwicke, had a youthful, indie aesthetic, while the sequels took a more polished, mature approach under directors like Chris Weitz, David Slade, and Bill Condon.
One of the most beloved aspects of the 'Twilight' saga was its killer soundtracks. Featuring artists like Muse, Paramore, and Florence + The Machine, the music became as iconic as the films themselves.
Taylor Lautner’s physical transformation was one of the most talked-about aspects of 'Twilight.' Lautner gained over 30 pounds of muscle to keep his role as Jacob after the first film, making his character a fan-favorite, especially for 'Team Jacob' supporters.
As 'Twilight' soared in popularity, it also faced criticism for its portrayal of Edward and Bella’s relationship. Some argued that Edward’s controlling and manipulative behavior glorified toxic relationships.
According to SensaCine, fans didn’t just take sides with 'Team Edward' or 'Team Jacob'—they created their own universe through fanfiction. Some of these stories even inspired major franchises, like 'Fifty Shades of Grey,' which began as 'Twilight' fanfiction.
The success of 'Twilight' sparked a wave of new franchises based on YA novels and also changed the TV landscape. Shows like 'The Vampire Diaries' and 'Teen Wolf' rode the supernatural romance trend that 'Twilight' set in motion.