Director Named for Twilight 3 ‘Eclipse’

With the sequel to their box-office juggernaut, Twilight, still prepping for production, Summit is already arranging to reach the trifecta, according to Variety, and are expected to announce revered Spanish Director, Juan Antonio Bayona as their choice to helm the third adaptation of Stephenie Meyer’s literary quartet, due to be titled ‘Eclipse.’

Though the studio have yet to confirm the appointment, the 35-year old Spaniard, a close associate and long-time collaborator of Guillermo Del Torro has credentials that make him a worthy selection, though competition was said to be fierce, with well-known Actress and novice director Drew Barrymore among many fine candidates vying to secure the prestigious position.

Due to bow in November, production will begin on Twilight’s second installment, “New Moon,” shortly, with Chris Weitz at the helm, and Summit have given part-three a projected release date of June, 2010. So the Director is a choice they need to make quick. The logic behind such directorial ‘musical chairs’ is unclear, but the accepted wisdom seems to be a desire by the studio to avoid stagnation in the pace of the movies by bringing a fresh mind to each one. Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner, however, are assured as a presence throughout the whole series.

With book sales in excess of 17-million the expectation resting on Summit’s decisions is huge, but if box-office returns for the remaining three pictures can even come close to the opening film, the final rewards could be simply immense. Stay tuned and we’ll keep you advised.