"Twilight" co-stars Nikki Reed and Kristen Stewart have their work cut out for them, with at least three sequels likely

Powerful opening-weekend sales ensure ‘Twilight’ won’t be big-screen orphan

By Matthew B. Zeidman

HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today) 11/23/08 – “Twilight,” the big-screen adaptation of the Stephenie Meyer vampire novel of the same name, will get its sequel. Summit Entertainment announced Saturday that it would begin work on “New Moon,” the next chapter in the Bella Swan/Edward Cullen saga, which would also be based on its corresponding literary work.

Despite a mediocre critical response, the book series’ devoted fan base of mostly (but not exclusively) teen and ‘tween girls came out in force Friday, eagerly handing over a collective $35.7 million in ticket sales to see newcomer Robert Pattinson and up-and-comer Kristen Stewart portray their favorite star-crossed lovers.

“Thirteen’s” Nikki Reed, a frequent collaborator with director Catherine Hardwicke, also lent her talents to the highly anticipated supernatural drama that was originally scheduled for release on Dec. 12. It was pushed forward this summer after Warner Bros. shifted “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” from Nov. 21 to July 17, 2009, eliminating the weekend’s major competition.

In addition to “Twilight” and “New Moon,” the existence of vampires, werewolves and humans living in tiny Forks, Wash. was chronicled by Meyer in “Eclipse” and “Breaking Dawn.” “Breaking Dawn,” the series’ conclusion, was released in the United States on Aug. 2 amidst midnight sales and parties reminiscent of those held by “Harry Potter” buffs during that series’ run.