Twilightis getting a new adaptation in the form of a television series, but if Catherine Hardwicke had the opportunity to make the first film again today, she knows exactly who she would choose to lead the cast as the new Bella Swan and Edward Cullen. Fifteen years have passed since the premiere ofTwilight, the first film in the successful movie saga that adapted Stephenie Meyer’s novels, and the director joined the celebration by participating in several interviews. Appearing on theHappy Sad Confusedpodcast, Josh Horwitz asked Hardwicke who she would cast as Edward and Bella if she made the film in 2023. The host suggestedEuphoriastarJacob ElordiandWednesdaystarJenna Ortega, and the filmmaker really liked both options:
“Oh, yeah, that would be perfect. Have you seen Saltburn yet? Yeah, Jacob Elordi, he’s amazing. He probably would be Edward Cullen. Exactly. I do think there’s a lot of really cool young actors, so, I’m not sure if I could say… [but], of course, you just mentioned Jenna Ortega, she’s amazing.”
When they were chosen to play the leading couple of the franchise, neither Kristen Stewart nor Robert Pattinson were as popular as Elordi and Ortega are now, so beyond the criticism that the film iteself received, it was a project that positively catapulted the careers of both of them.
Earlier this year, Lionsgate confirmed that they are developing an adaptation ofTwilightin the form of a television series, imitating other big book franchises such asPercy JacksonandHarry Potter, so there will soon be new stars playing the famous characters from the saga.
Related:Twilight Director Catherine Hardwicke Confess She Has One Big Problem with the Sequels
Unlike the film saga, which was released when the books were at their peak, the series will be released when that hype has already disappeared. So casting two popular stars could help attract a new audience, something that will be really necessary whenever the TV series emerges.
Elordi began his career not so long ago, leading the cast of the Netflix teen sagaThe Kissing Booth,films that he recently criticized. However, his career would take off with his portrayal of Nate Jacobs inEuphoria. This year he was part of four films:The Sweet East,He Went That Way,SaltburnandPriscilla, where he played none other than Elvis Presley.
Ortega, for her part, has been acting for several years now. She made her debut in 2012 on television, inRobandCSI: NY, and in 2013, she had a small role inIron Man 3. Over the years, she has starred in projects of all kinds, but she has stood out mainly in horror films, being part of the casts of movies likeXorScream, afranchise that she recently exitedafter the conflict between Spyglass and Melissa Barrera. Her upcoming projects include the second season ofWednesdayand the sequel toBeetlejuice, among other notable titles.
