Why Kristen Stewart “Felt Bad For” Twilight Sequel Directors

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Kristen Stewart recently shared that she sympathized with the directors who took over the Twilight series after the first film became a hit. The Twilight Saga released a new movie each year from 2008 to 2012. Catherine Hardwicke directed the initial movie, but Chris Weitz, Bill Condon, and David Slade each directed one of the subsequent films.

In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter about her first feature film, The Chronology of Water, Kristen Stewart discussed the original Twilight movie. She felt it successfully captured director Catherine Hardwicke’s initial vision. Stewart noted that despite becoming a huge cultural phenomenon, the first film’s unique artistic style was particularly impressive considering it was part of a larger franchise.

The first Twilight movie truly represents Catherine’s vision and she delivered it brilliantly. It’s incredibly difficult to create something authentic when facing so many opinions and expectations. When numerous voices are involved, it’s hard to maintain a personal touch.

As a critic, I was really struck by Kristen Stewart’s comments about the later Twilight directors. She expressed genuine empathy for them, questioning if they ever truly felt in control of the films. It’s a fascinating point – she simultaneously felt sorry for the pressure they were under, but also admired their attempts to put their own stamp on the franchise while navigating the studio’s vision. It’s a tough spot, and she really highlighted that internal conflict they must have faced.

Despite a restrictive production environment, the Twilight sequels managed to have a distinct and unique feel. They surprisingly embraced their own quirky identity.

It’s amazing to see someone with such intense ambition, even if it’s a bit ruthless and single-minded. As an actor, you might even feel a pang of envy watching that kind of drive. It makes you want to cultivate that same level of determination in yourself.

Each of the Twilight films, based on Stephanie Meyer’s books, had a different director. Chris Weitz directed New Moon, David Slade helmed Eclipse, and Bill Condon directed both parts of Breaking Dawn. Despite the change in directors, Melissa Rosenberg wrote the screenplay for all five movies. According to Kristen Stewart, each director also aimed to bring their own unique style to the films.

Considering the franchise’s consistent performance each year and the increasingly similar style of the later films, the studio’s goals were always a factor. While these films are now considered highlights of Stewart’s work, she credits the creative team for consistently striving to bring a personal touch to each one.

Lidia Yuknavitch seems to be recreating a similar sense of creative freedom in her novel, The Chronology of Water, which has received very positive reviews – a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 37 reviews. Unlike a big franchise like Twilight, she didn’t have as much studio interference. Despite this, she consistently praises the directors she’s worked with, demonstrating how much she gained from those experiences.

Stewart often highlights the importance of a director’s unique vision, and it’s clear she was influenced by the directors of the Twilight sequels, despite the challenges they faced. Her appreciation for their work seems to have contributed to the positive reception of her own film, making all of their creative contributions feel valuable.

The Chronology of Water arrives in theaters on December 5, 2025.

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2025-12-04 18:42