New Moon

Robert Pattinson of ‘Twilight,’ ‘New Moon’ Stars in Chicago Screening of British Indie ‘How to Be’

HollywoodChicago.com — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 15:28:55 -0600

CHICAGO – While Robert Pattinson has earned wide acclaim for his role in the hit film “Twilight” opposite Kristen Stewart and will attempt to heartthrob audiences again in the sequel “The Twilight Saga’s New Moon,” he hasn’t forgotten his independent film side. He plans to show it to Chicagoans on one day only on April 22, 2009 at the Music Box Theatre.

Robert Pattinson (right) of “Twilight” and “The Twilight Saga’s New Moon” stars in the British indie film “How to Be”.
Image credit: How to Be Films

Filmed before “Twilight” in 2007, Pattinson stars in the British independent film “How to Be” from writer and director Oliver Irving with composer Joe Hastings and co-stars Mike Pearce and Johnny White. The plot synopsis follows:

“How to Be” is a coming-of-age comedy starring Robert Pattinson (“Twilight”) as 20-something musician Art who gets dumped by his girlfriend, moves back with his parents and hits a quarter-life crisis.

Using inheritance money, Art hires self-help guru Dr. Ellington to move in as his full-time life coach and help make him “more normal”. “How to Be” is a timely look at the increasingly common phenomena of grown-up children living at home with frustrated creativity and self-help.

Following the one-night-only screening at 8 p.m. in Chicago on April 22, 2009 at the Music Box Theatre, a Q&A will be held with writer and director Oliver Irving, composer Joe Hastings and stars Mike Pearce and Johnny White immediately follow the screening. The cost to attend is $15.

This special Chicago screening is part of the film’s U.S. tour that leads up to a national release of the film by IFC Festival Direct on nationwide cable beginning on April 29, 2009. The tour will stop in Los Angeles, Orlando, Chicago, Boston and New York City.

The Chris Weitz-directed sequel “The Twilight Saga’s New Moon” will star Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner, Ashley Greene and perhaps Lucy Hale, AnnaLynne McCord and Dakota Fanning (who were the subject of recent casting rumors).

“Twilight,” which stars Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Ashley Greene and Taylor Lautner from director Catherine Hardwicke, has grossed $189 million in the U.S. and $363 million total worldwide. This quickly put “The Twilight Saga’s New Moon” into production and has spawned many casting rumors. Other books in the Stephenie Meyer series include “Eclipse” and “Breaking Dawn”.

Update at 7:51 p.m. on April 17, 2009: We now have the high-quality “How to Be” movie trailer for your viewing enjoyment. Watch it now here!

Update at 1:29 p.m. on April 22, 2009: We have just been informed that those attending this screening will have a chance to win a “How to Be” poster signed by Robert Pattinson!

Watch the “How to Be” movie trailer now with Robert Pattinson.
Read about the teaser poster for “The Twilight Saga’s New Moon”.
Read our Dakota Fanning story on “The Twilight Saga’s New Moon”.
Read our story about DVD release parties for “Twilight”.
Win a walk-on part in “The Twilight Saga’s New Moon”.
Read our story about the release date of “The Twilight Saga’s Eclipse”.
Read about the new name and logo for “The Twilight Saga’s New Moon”.
Read about why Catherine Hardwicke left the “Twilight” franchise.
Read our story about AnnaLynne McCord auditioning for “New Moon”.
Read our story about Dakota Fanning talking about “New Moon”.
Read our story about the open casting call for “New Moon”.
Read our story about Lucy Hale auditioning for “New Moon”.
See our 2009 Summit release slideshow with “New Moon”.
See our high-quality, 28-image “Twilight” slideshow.

By ADAM FENDELMAN
Editor-in-Chief
HollywoodChicago.com
adam@hollywoodchicago.com

Michael Sheen Joins Cast of ‘The Twilight Saga’s New Moon’

BrianTT — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 13:16:55 -0600

CHICAGO – Michael Sheen, one of the stars of last year’s Best Picture-nominated “Frost/Nixon,” has joined the cast of the “Twilight” sequel, “The Twilight Saga’s New Moon,” appearing with the already-cast Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner, Ashley Greene, and Dakota Fanning in the film to be directed by Chris Weitz.

Sheen also appeared in the award-winning “The Queen” as Prime Minister Tony Blair and played a vampire before in 2003’s “Underworld,” co-starring Kate Beckinsale, and in this year’s “Underworld: The Rise of the Lycans”. Sheen will play Aro, the leader of the Volturi vampire coven from the book based on Stephenie Meyer’s “New Moon”. The casting news was broken by E! News today.

Michael Sheen in Screen Gems Underworld: Rise of the Lycans.
Image credit: Ken George/Screen Gems

Read about the teaser poster for “The Twilight Saga’s New Moon”.
Read our Dakota Fanning story on “The Twilight Saga’s New Moon”.
Read our story about DVD release parties for “Twilight”.
Win a walk-on part in “The Twilight Saga’s New Moon”.
Read our story about the release date of “The Twilight Saga’s Eclipse”.
Read about the new name and logo for “The Twilight Saga’s New Moon”.
Read about why Catherine Hardwicke left the “Twilight” franchise.
Read our story about AnnaLynne McCord auditioning for “New Moon”.
Read our story about Dakota Fanning talking about “New Moon”.
Read our story about the open casting call for “New Moon”.
Read our story about Lucy Hale auditioning for “New Moon”.
See our 2009 Summit release slideshow with “New Moon”.
See our high-quality, 28-image “Twilight” slideshow.

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

First Teaser Poster For ‘The Twilight Saga’s New Moon’ Released

BrianTT — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 11:24:42 -0600

CHICAGO – ComingSoon.net went to ShoWest and posted the first image of a teaser poster that you’re likely to see all over theaters for the rest of this year, the first official artwork for the sequel to “Twilight,” “The Twilight Saga’s New Moon”.

The Twilight Saga’s New Moon
Image credit: Summit/ComingSoon.net

What do you think of the artwork? Let us know in the comments section below.

The Chris Weitz-directed sequel will star Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner, Ashley Greene, and Dakota Fanning.

Read our Dakota Fanning story on “The Twilight Saga’s New Moon”.
Read our story about DVD release parties for “Twilight”.
Win a walk-on part in “The Twilight Saga’s New Moon”.
Read our story about the release date of “The Twilight Saga’s Eclipse”.
Read about the new name and logo for “The Twilight Saga’s New Moon”.
Read about why Catherine Hardwicke left the “Twilight” franchise.
Read our story about AnnaLynne McCord auditioning for “New Moon”.
Read our story about Dakota Fanning talking about “New Moon”.
Read our story about the open casting call for “New Moon”.
Read our story about Lucy Hale auditioning for “New Moon”.
See our 2009 Summit release slideshow with “New Moon”.
See our high-quality, 28-image “Twilight” slideshow.

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

Juan Antonio Bayona Will Direct ‘Twilight’ Sequel ‘The Twilight Saga’s Eclipse’

BrianTT — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 11:09:21 -0600

CHICAGO – It was just a rumor yesterday but it was made official last night when Variety announced that Juan Antonio Bayona will direct the upcoming sequel to “Twilight” and “The Twilight Saga’s New Moon,” “The Twilight Saga’s Eclipse”. The third film in the Stephenie Meyer series will star Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner, and more.

There were rumors last month that Drew Barrymore might be tapped to direct the third film in Stephenie Meyer and Summit Entertainment’s “The Twilight Saga’s Eclipse,” but Variety reported last night that the Spanish director of “The Orphanage,” Juan Antonio Bayona, a protege of Guillermo Del Toro, will be the man to take on the third film in the “Twilight” franchise.

“The Twilight Saga’s New Moon,” the second film based on Stephenie Meyer’s book called just “New Moon,” starts shooting soon and will be wrapping post-production when Summit wants “Eclipse” to go before the cameras for a Summer 2010 release. So, Chris Weitz, the director replacing Catherine Hardwicke on the franchise, will be replaced himself by Bayona making it three directors in the franchise.

Bayona directed the amazing “The Orphanage” and is currently signed on for his English language debut, a thriller called “Hater,” but that will very likely be delayed now that he’s become a part of one of the biggest franchises in the world.

Stephenie Meyer’s Eclipse
Image credit: Summit

“Twilight,” which stars Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Ashley Greene and Taylor Lautner from director Catherine Hardwicke, has grossed $178 million domestically. This has put the “New Moon” sequel, now called “The Twilight Saga’s New Moon” into production immediately and has spawned a series of casting rumors. Other books in the Stephenie Meyer series include “Eclipse” and “Breaking Dawn”. “New Moon” will open on November 20th, 2009 with “Eclipse” landing in theaters just seven months later on June 30th, 2010.

Read about Dakota Fanning casting in “The Twilight Saga’s New Moon”.
Read about DVD release parties for “Twilight”.
Read about Drew Barrymore directing “The Twilight Saga’s Eclipse”.
Win a walk-on part in “The Twilight Saga’s New Moon”.
Read about Bronson Pelletier casting in “The Twilight Saga’s New Moon”.
Read about the release date of “The Twilight Saga’s Eclipse”.
Read about the new name and logo for “The Twilight Saga’s New Moon”.
Read about why Catherine Hardwicke left the “Twilight” franchise.
Read our story about AnnaLynne McCord auditioning for “New Moon”.
Read our story about Dakota Fanning talking about “New Moon”.
Read our story about the open casting call for “New Moon”.
Read our story about Lucy Hale auditioning for “New Moon”.
See our 2009 Summit release slideshow with “New Moon”.
See our high-quality, 28-image “Twilight” slideshow.

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

‘Orphanage’ Director Juan Antonio Bayona Rumored to Direct ‘The Twilight Saga’s Eclipse’

BrianTT — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 10:50:06 -0600

CHICAGO – There were rumors last month that Drew Barrymore might be tapped to direct the third film in Stephenie Meyer and Summit Entertainment’s “The Twilight Saga’s Eclipse,” but this morning The Hollywood Reporter’s Risky Biz blog reported the Spanish director of “The Orphanage,” Juan Antonio Bayona, a protege of Guillermo Del Toro, could be the man to take on the third film in the “Twilight” franchise.

Summit has yet to comment about Bayona being tapped to direct “The Twilight Saga’s Eclipse” and they claim that the studio is still looking at several candidates to helm the project. Other possibilities that have come up lately include Barrymore, Chris Weitz’ brother Paul Weitz, and even “Walk the Line” director James Mangold. THR claims that Bayona’s name is coming up more than anyone else in rumors.

The Hollywood Reporter also makes the argument that the move to a more artistic, genre-driven director like Bayona makes sense given the source material.

“The shift would make sense on a number of levels — “Eclipse,” while continuing the romances and love triangles of previous books, does contain a mystery of unsolved murders that protags Bella and Edward seek to solve. (Notably, Bayona’s debut “The Orphanage” also contained a plotline centering on children who had been killed under mysterious circumstances.) It also features battles between werewolves and vampires that could call for a practiced genre hand.”

Bayona directed the amazing “The Orphanage” and is currently signed on for his English language debut, a thriller called “Hater” but that could be put on the back burner if Summit brings the vampires to Juan Antonio.

Stephenie Meyer’s Eclipse
Image credit: Summit

The Chris Weitz-directed sequel will star Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner, Ashley Greene, and, recently, Dakota Fanning. Lucy Hale, Vanessa Hudgens and AnnaLynne McCord have also been the subject of casting rumors.

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

Dakota Fanning Will Play Jane in ‘Twilight’ Sequel ‘The Twilight Saga’s New Moon’

BrianTT — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 12:32:51 -0700

CHICAGO – It started as a rumor, but sources are reporting today that Summit Entertainment has officially announced that Dakota Fanning will play Jane in “The Twilight Saga’s New Moon,” the highly anticipated sequel to the blockbuster “Twilight”. The Chris Weitz-directed film based on the Stephenie Meyer book will start shooting in Canada soon.

The news of the controversial casting decision was first broken by Twilighters Anonymous, who revealed that Summit Entertainment made the announcement via email to “Twilight the Movie” subscribers. The headline of the email simply read “Dakota Fanning joins New Moon”.

The text of the announcement went on to say, “Acclaimed actress Dakota Fanning has officially joined the cast. And will play fan favorite Jane in The Twilight Saga: New Moon.”

Now, of course, there is no official public press release, so take this announcement as something between a rumor and a fact. It’s hard to believe Summit or someone within the company would send the email if it weren’t true but the lack of a press release or public announcement is unusual.

There have been rumors about Dakota Fanning playing the Volturi character Jane for some time with the star herself saying, “The character is what I would be excited about. It’s kind of evil, something I’ve never done before, and it’s a vampire. You know, it’s really cool, so I really hope it works out.”

Dakota Fanning
Photo credit: Summit Publicity

The Chris Weitz-directed sequel will star Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner, Ashley Greene, and now Dakota Fanning. Lucy Hale, Vanessa Hudgens and AnnaLynne McCord have also been the subject of casting rumors.

Read our story about DVD release parties for “Twilight”.
Read about Drew Barrymore directing “The Twilight Saga’s Eclipse”.
How can you win a walk-on part in “The Twilight Saga’s New Moon”?
Read about Bronson Pelletier casting in “The Twilight Saga’s New Moon”.
Read about the release date of “The Twilight Saga’s Eclipse”.
Read about the new name and logo for “The Twilight Saga’s New Moon”.
Read about why Catherine Hardwicke left the “Twilight” franchise.
Read about AnnaLynne McCord auditioning for “New Moon”.
Read about Dakota Fanning talking about “New Moon”.
Read about the open casting call for “New Moon”.
Read about Lucy Hale auditioning for “New Moon”.
See our 2009 Summit release slideshow with “New Moon”.
See our high-quality, 28-image “Twilight” slideshow.

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

Movie Trailer: New Comedy ‘Next Day Air’ With Mike Epps, Mos Def, Donald Faison

HollywoodChicago.com — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 21:38:28 -0700

CHICAGO – The trailer for the new comedy “Next Day Air,” which stars Mike Epps, Mos Def and Donald Faison (from “[scrubs]”), can be watched below. “Next Day Air” is distributed by Summit Entertainment. Summit Entertainment is also the distributor for the smash hit “Twilight” and its “New Moon” sequel “The Twilight Saga’s New Moon”.

Here is the plot description for “Next Day Air” (source):

When a misguided delivery driver inadvertently delivers a package containing concealed bricks of cocaine to the wrong address, it sets in motion a desperate search and battle for the coke between the furious dealer who sent it, the fearful intended recipients who missed it and the conniving accidental recipients who plan to flip it.

Time is running out and everyone’s trying to get their hands on the package that has been sent next-day air.

“Next Day Air” with Mike Epps, Mos Def and Donald Faison opens nationwide on May 8, 2009.

By ADAM FENDELMAN
Editor-in-Chief
HollywoodChicago.com
adam@hollywoodchicago.com

Stores to Host Release Parties For ‘Twilight’ DVD on Friday, March 20, 2009

BrianTT — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 09:24:44 -0700

CHICAGO – Can’t wait to get your hands on “Twilight” on DVD? Summit Home Entertainment announced today that on Friday, March 20th, 2009, from 10PM until 12 midnight, fans across the country will be able to celebrate and count down the minutes until they can take their favorite movie home.

Participating retailers will stay open late and host release parties for “Twilight” fans looking to purchase the DVD of the epic romance based on the Stephenie Meyer book. Want to know where to go? The official website will have a store locator to point you in the right direction. The site will have breaking information about stores and events surrounding the “Twilight” release. We’ll also have a review up on HollywoodChicago.com as soon as possible. Stay tuned.

“Twilight” will be released on DVD on March 21, 2009.
Photo credit: Summit Home Entertainment

According to the Summit press release, executive at Summit Entertainment decided to work with retailers to make this special edition DVD something that will not disappoint fans. Steve Nickerson, President of Home Entertainment said, “We wanted to say thank you to all of those who came out in droves last year and helped make Stephenie Meyer’s characters and story a truly successful movie. What better way to celebrate than a weekend party with your fellow Twilight fans.”

“Twilight,” which stars Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Ashley Greene and Taylor Lautner from director Catherine Hardwicke, has grossed $178 million domestically. This has put the “New Moon” sequel from director Chris Weitz into production immediately and has spawned a series of casting rumors. Other books in the Stephenie Meyer series include “Eclipse” and “Breaking Dawn”.

Read our story about AnnaLynne McCord auditioning for “New Moon”.
Read our story about Dakota Fanning talking about “New Moon”.
Read our story about the open casting call for “New Moon”.
Read our story about Lucy Hale auditioning for “New Moon”.
Read our story about Dakota Fanning auditioning for “New Moon”.
Read our Vanessa Hudgens role denial story for “New Moon”.
Read our Robert Pattinson story on “Parts Per Billion” and “New Moon”.
See our 2009 Summit release slideshow with “New Moon”.
See our high-quality, 28-image “Twilight” slideshow.
Read our “Twilight” opening-weekend box-office story.
Read our “Twilight” sequel story prior to opening weekend.
Read our story about Taylor Lautner’s casting in “New Moon”.

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

Drew Barrymore Rumored to Direct ‘Twilight’ Sequel ‘The Twilight Saga’s Eclipse’

BrianTT — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 10:55:04 -0700

CHICAGO – Had enough news about “The Twilight Saga’s New Moon”? Entertainment Weekly is reporting this morning that the next movie may already have a director and it’s a surprising choice, Drew Barrymore.

The magazine’s website reports that Barrymore is actually in talks to direct “The Twilight Saga’s Eclipse,” following in the footsteps of “Twilight” director Catherine Hardwicke and Chris Weitz, the man about to step in and direct “The Twilight Saga’s New Moon”.

Catherine Hardwicke turned down the second film from the massively successful Stephenie Meyer franchise because she didn’t have enough time or money. The time for the third “Twilight” movie will be brief. “The Twilight Saga’s New Moon” will be released on November 20th, 2009 and “The Twilight Saga’s Eclipse” will follow only seven months later on June 30th, 2010. Weitz wouldn’t be able to direct the third film because he will be busy editing the second one.

If you’re wondering, “Eclipse” wouldn’t be Barrymore’s directorial debut. She’s currently handling post-production on that, a comedy called “Whip It!” with Ellen Page. E! reports that a rep for Barrymore declined to comment.

Stephenie Meyer’s Eclipse
Image credit: Summit

“The Twilight Saga’s New Moon,” the Chris Weitz-directed sequel to “Twilight” will star Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner, Ashley Greene, and perhaps Lucy Hale, AnnaLynne McCord and Dakota Fanning, both of whom were the subject of casting rumors recently.

Win a walk-on part in “The Twilight Saga’s New Moon”.
Read our story about AnnaLynne McCord auditioning for “New Moon”.
Read our story about Dakota Fanning talking about “New Moon”.
Read our story about the open casting call for “New Moon”.
Read our story about Lucy Hale auditioning for “New Moon”.
Read our story about Dakota Fanning auditioning for “New Moon”.
Read our Vanessa Hudgens role denial story for “New Moon”.
Read our Robert Pattinson story on “Parts Per Billion” and “New Moon”.
See our 2009 Summit release slideshow with “New Moon”.
See our high-quality, 28-image “Twilight” slideshow.
Read our “Twilight” opening-weekend box-office story.
Read our “Twilight” sequel story prior to opening weekend.
Read our story about Taylor Lautner’s casting in “New Moon”.

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

Fans of ‘Twilight’ Franchise Can Win Walk-On Part in ‘The Twilight Saga’s New Moon’

BrianTT — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 09:57:03 -0700

CHICAGO – Have you always wanted to be in a “Twilight” movie? Think you have what it takes to act opposite Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner or Ashley Greene? Now you can win a walk-on role in “New Moon,” which is otherwise known as “The Twilight Saga’s New Moon”.

Summit Entertainment announced a contest this week where you could be a part of the “Twilight” franchise. All you need to do to enter is submit a one-minute video of yourself. Explain why you deserve to be in “New Moon” and you could win a part in one of the most anticipated sequels of 2009. You’ll win a trip to the set of “The Twilight Saga’s New Moon” and a chance to appear in the film. You must be at least 14 and a resident of the U.S. or Canada.

Go here to read all the rules and enter the contest at TwilightTheMovie.com. Good luck.

The new logo for “The Twilight Saga’s New Moon”.
Image credit: MTV

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com