Original Twilight Star Weighs In on Upcoming Netflix Animated Reboot

Few franchises can pride themselves on a large, highly devoted fandom that would keep the story alive even over a decade after its ending. Despite the criticism over its quality, The Twilight Saga is one of them, and its success is undeniable still today as it expects an upcoming Netflix reboot.

Released between 2008 and 2012, The Twilight Saga grossed $3.36 billion worldwide, becoming a smash hit, not only in the young adult romance adaptation genre, but in the film industry as a whole. Starring Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, and Taylor Lautner in the leading roles, the vampire/werewolf fantasy saga still holds a big place in the fans’ hearts, which is why Lionsgate announced a reboot. Speaking to Screen Rant, original actor Gil Birmingham, who played Billy Black, Jacob’s father, addressed the upcoming Netflix animated reboot.

The actor, who recently played Chief Thomas Rainwater in Yellowstone, revealed he gets recognized often as Billy Black and addressed the impact the franchise continues to have. However, he had no idea a reboot was in the works. “I’m just finding that, I didn’t know they were doing that.“

Twilight seems to live on.

He continued, “You know, Twilight seems to live on. I’m so surprised, even in the fanbase, when I’m out about town, and I’ll just assume it’s Yellowstone fans. I’ll get approached, and it’s a bunch of Twilight fans.”

Birmingham explained, “I actually did a festival up in Forks, Washington just a couple of months ago, and it’d been about 10 years since I did any kind of Twilight convention. You know, 1,000 people showed up from Brazil and New Zealand and Argentina, and they were just avid fans, and spent all this money just to travel, to come to this thing, and I had such an appreciation of their passion for it. Something spoke to them, and I think it’s always about connection and community. They found somebody that they share a passion with, and they make lifelong friends.”

The actor showed his appreciation for the fandom’s support: “I think it’s a beautiful thing to be a part of, but it’s the first time I’m hearing about the animation.“

The Upcoming Twilight Netflix Reboot Will Probably Have a New Cast

The upcoming Netflix reboot will tell the story from a different perspective: Edward Cullen’s. Instead of following the story everyone knows, Netflix has opted to adapt Stephenie Meyer’s Midnight Sun, which told the events of the first book through Edward’s lens. It will be written by Sinead Daly, with Meyer attached as an executive producer under her Fickle Fish Films with Meghan Hibbett. So far, there’s no cast attached to the project.

At the same time, it’s unlikely the original cast would return to voice the characters. The two lead actors, Stewart and Pattinson, had since broken up and moved on, all while focusing on different genres. Stewart found success in indie films, while Pattinson is now focused with The Batman, as well as other projects. Lautner also revealed he didn’t think a reboot was a good idea.

Chaske Spencer, who played Alpha of the Wolf Pack, Sam Uley, also addressed the reboot recently. Similar to Birmingham, he had no idea a reboot was in the works. “They’re making an anime series on Netflix? I’ll check it out. Yeah, I’ll look at it,” he shared, adding that he has no interest in voicing his character. “I’m too old for Sam,” the actor continued. “Even the voice… I think you can find a younger, better-in-shape actor to do that.”

The Twilight Saga will be available for free on Tubi starting Jan. 1, and are currently available to stream on Hulu.

Source: Screen Rant