Summit Moving Forward with Twilight Sequel “New Moon”

Not surprisingly after a massive opening day for “Twilight,” Summit Entertainment has officially given the greenlight to a “New Moon” sequel. Summit made the widely expected announcement Saturday morning. Selling out theaters nationwide, “Twilight” generated first-day grosses of $35.7 million from 3,419 playdates on Friday — including $7 million from Thursday midnight shows, despite its mixed reviews.

The wheels were already in motion as “New Moon”  has a screenwriter, and this follows a previous announcement that stated Summit had officially picked up the rights for the remaining books New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn. but now it’s official. “New Moon” is centered on Edward Cullen leaving Bella Swan in order to keep her safe from other vampires. Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart play the leads in the film. Summit Entertainment made the official announcement on Saturday (November 22), that Stephenie Meyer’s “New Moon” will be coming to a theater near you. And that works well for author  Meyer’s who told Daily Variety:

“I don’t think any other author has had a more positive experience with the makers of her movie adaptation than I have had with Summit Entertainment,” she said in a statement. “I’m thrilled to have the chance to work with them again on ‘New Moon.’ ”

The madness began with some impressive advance ticket sales, taking in money at a rate reported to be more than three times that of last week’s box-office winner, “Quantum of Solace.” To put it in perspective, “Twilight” is now second only to “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” in terms of biggest opening-day gross for a non-summer release.

“Twilight” is currently on track to become the highest-grossing film ever made by a female director, the highest-grossing vampire film of all time, and is also threatening several other records heading into Saturday. The film is currently projected to make more than $60 million this weekend, which would put it on track for the $150 million box-office haul that director Catherine Hardwicke has said would automatically green-light sequels.