Leave Twilight Alone: Why The Vampire Franchise Needs To End

In the past few years, there have been discussions about making more Twilight Saga content to add to the universe. But as a loyal Twilight fan, I can strongly say this is a big mistake.

The first Twilight book came out in 2005, and by the time the last book, Breaking Dawn, hit shelves in 2008, the first Twilight film adaptation was just a few months away from premiering.

Since then, the saga has grown a cult following. With the major success of all five films, it seems like producers are trying to continue to exploit the fame and its fandom. But with how beloved the original series is, do we really need more?

Why The Movies Don’t Need Remakes

Although there isn’t a confirmed remake of the films in the works, there were rumors of possible TV show reboots just a few years ago. But honestly, it just doesn’t make any sense to remake these movies. The Twilight films, although cheesy and at times cringy, were a great installment to the franchise. Yes, the films aren’t completely book-accurate, but that didn’t stop them from grossing billions of dollars worldwide.

However, Twilight director Catherine Hardwicke thinks Jenna Ortega and Jacob Elordi could be the next generation’s Bella and Edward. As far as fan castings go, these two aren’t the best fit. Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, and Taylor Lautner could never be replaced by any other actors, no matter how talented or how similar they look. This trio was a perfect cast, and there is no one else that could possibly live up to those roles.

Also, the films are less than twenty years old. The films could not be further from outdated. In my mind, they are classics that simply don’t need to be remade. They are timeless. Younger generations of fans will have no problem enjoying them.

Netflix’s New Take On Twilight

For the time being, it’s a relief to hear that there will be no live-action reboot of the films anytime soon. However, Netflix has just announced a new animated series called Midnight Sun.

Midnight Sun is a spin-off novel from 2020, following Edward’s point of view in Twilight. The book immediately became a best-seller. This installment to the franchise became a catalyst for producers to realize the potential of expanding the universe and profiting off the loyal Twilight fanbase.

Because of this, Netflix has decided to take a new approach to the beloved story, producing an animated series of Midnight Sun. The series is expected to be released in late 2025 or sometime in 2026. It’s too soon to tell. I’m not sure what the target age demographic will be for this show, given that most of the original fanbase are adults now. With the animated angle, it looks like they are trying to create a younger audience to keep the franchise alive. But the question remains: do we really need this show?

Taylor Lautner’s Werewolf Revival

When I first heard this news, I thought it was a joke. I’m still hoping that it’s a joke. Nevertheless, Taylor Lautner just told the world that he is entering his Twilight era yet again.

Just this February, Variety published an exclusive story saying that Amazon MGM is currently working on a scripted series called Taylor Lautner: Werewolf Hunter. The series will follow Taylor Launter (yes, he plays himself) right after the finale of the Twilight Saga. He will then find himself caught up in a secret society of werewolf hunters who believe he has the expertise to help them fight the mythological creatures.

This was my last straw. The series may not be directly affiliated with the Twilight Saga, but it is an absolutely ridiculous way to reprise Launter’s most iconic role. This is the kind of content that Twilight fans never asked for and definitely don’t need.

It’s Time For New Ideas

The Twilight books and films were key factors when it came to creating my childhood. I read the books and saw every movie in theaters. I still watch the movies on rainy days and find myself listening to the soundtrack from time to time. It’s safe to say that I am a die-hard Twilight fan.

But all these new additions to the franchise need to stop. They will never live up to the books or films. The vampire franchise needed to be put to rest the moment Breaking Dawn Part 2 premiered. It’s time to say goodbye.

Vampire franchises have had a chokehold on my generation, and I’m sure people would be happy to see more vampire books, movies, and TV shows. However, it’s time to leave the old franchises alone and come up with new stories, new love interests, and new vampire drama for us to enjoy.